Oropharyngeal Swallowing Disorders under Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study

Objective To explore oropharyngeal swallowing disorders with videofluoroscopic swallowing study(VFSS).Methods 16 patients with dysphagia accepted VFSS with 10 ml of thin barium meal(50% w/v),thick barium meal(270% w/v),biscuit coated with thick barium meal in single swallow.Their swallowing function was observed on the lateral and anterior/posterior planes,including: symmetry of pyriform sinuses,oral transit time,presence of pharyngeal delay,pharyngeal transit time,oral and pharyngeal residue,and presence of aspiration.Results 5 patients demonstrated oral swallowing disorder.3 patients demonstrated pharyngeal swallowing disorders,that was pharyngeal delay which caused in aspiration after swallowing.8 patients demonstrated oropharyngeal swallowing disorders,and 3 of them presented aspiration,2 patients were silent aspirators,1 was aspiration before and 1 after swallowing.The aspiration time could not be judged from the videofluoroscopy in the other one.For 4 patients with aspiration,3 were severe,with more than 25% of the bolus aspirated,and 1 aspirated less than 5%.Conclusion VFSS can be helpful to plan individual rehabilitation.