The Usefulness of the Dynamic Image of the Pharynx with Digital Radiography in Dysphagia Following Stroke

Kim, Jong Seok

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of digital radiography in the assessment of dysphagia following stroke. Eighteen patients (male:8, female:10) and 10 control group were performed with digital radiography by use of mixture of barium and water (barium: water = 1:1). The author evaluated the pharyngeal transit time, the presence of oropharyngeal dysfunction, and location and severity of dyphagia. The pharyngeal transit times of control group was 1.25sec (1.0-1.5sec) and those of dysphgia patients was 4.32 sec (1.75-6.5sec). Fifteen patients (83%) had oropharyngeal dysfunction. Eleven patients had oral dysfunction, and 12 had pharyngeal dysfunction. Eight patients had both oral and pharyngeal dysfunction. Mild swallowing difficulties occurred in five patients (28%), moderate dysfunction in six (33%), and severe dysfunction in three (17%). In conclusion, the dynamic image of the pharynx with digital radiography may be useful diagnostic method to define the location and severity of dysphagia, which is critical for feeding recommendation.