Simultaneous Fluoroscopic and Endoscopic Examination of the Oropharyngeal Phase of Deglutition

Simultaneous Fluoroscopic and Endoscopic Examination of the Oropharyngeal Phase of Deglutition

To correlate findings between two commonly-used types of swallowing studies: videofluoroscopy and flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES).

The specific aim of this study is to correlate findings between two commonly-used types of swallowing studies: videofluoroscopy and flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Specifically, the timing of swallowing events will be correlated between teh two studies. In addition, the pharyngeal constriction ratio (a validated measure of pharyngeal strength on videofluoroscopy) will be compared with the pharyngeal squeeze maneuver (an assessment of pharyngeal strength on FEES), with the hypothesis that there will be a strong correlation between PCR and pharyngeal squeeze.

Inclusion Criteria:

• complaints of dysphagia
• scheduled to undergo videofluoroscopy
• able to tolerate both videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing and FEES

Exclusion Criteria:

• age less than 18
• contraindications to videofluoroscopy (reaction to barium, possible pregnancy)
• contraindications to FEES (bilateral obstructing nasal pathology or nasopharyngeal stenosis)
• specific/vulnerable populations (children, mentally handicapped, pregnant women, fetuses, prisoners, cognitive impairment, life-threatening disease, social or economic disadvantage)