Simultaneous modified Evans blue dye procedure and video nasal endoscopic evaluation of the swallow

J Donzelli1, S Brady, M Wesling

  • 1Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Limited, Carol Stream, Illinois, USA.

The Laryngoscope
|January 22, 2002
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The modified Evans blue dye test (MEBD) has a 50% false-negative rate for detecting aspiration in patients with tracheostomies. It is only a screening tool for gross aspiration, missing trace amounts.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Speech-Language Pathology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Dysphagia is common in patients with tracheostomies.
  • Accurate aspiration detection is crucial for patient management.
  • The modified Evans blue dye test (MEBD) is a common screening tool.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the aspiration detection rate of the MEBD with video nasal endoscopic examination of the swallow (VEES).
  • To evaluate the accuracy of MEBD in patients with tracheostomies.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 15 simultaneous MEBD and VEES procedures.
  • Patients with tracheostomies and suspected dysphagia were included.
  • Direct subglottic visualization was performed via endoscopy.

Main Results:

  • Aspiration was detected in 53% of studies by VEES.
  • MEBD had a 50% false-negative rate compared to VEES.
  • MEBD missed all trace aspirations (0%) but detected gross aspiration in 67%.

Conclusions:

  • MEBD is unreliable for detecting all aspiration in tracheostomized patients.
  • MEBD should only be used as a screening tool for gross aspiration.
  • VEES is a more sensitive method for aspiration detection in this population.

Related Concept Videos

Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy01:30

Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy

Endoscopy is a non-surgical medical technique used to examine a person's internal organs and vessels. This lesson will focus on two types of endoscopic studies: bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy.
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy01:29

Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

An Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic procedure in which an endoscopist uses a flexible, lighted endoscope to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The procedure includes visualizing the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum.
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy01:28

Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy, or wireless or video capsule endoscopy, is a diagnostic procedure for examining the entire gastrointestinal tract. Patients swallow a capsule about the size of a vitamin tablet. The capsule is equipped with a transmitter, a battery, an LED light source, and a color video camera to capture images throughout the gastrointestinal tract. This procedure is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, tumors, polyps, ulcers, unexplained...
Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP01:26

Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions related to the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and gallbladder. This procedure is beneficial for identifying and addressing blockages, gallstones, strictures, and tumors within the biliary or pancreatic systems. ERCP is both diagnostic and therapeutic, offering the ability to visualize and treat identified problems in one session.
Patient...
Upper GI Series: Barium Swallow01:24

Upper GI Series: Barium Swallow

The Barium Swallow Study, or a Barium Esophagogram, is a diagnostic imaging method used to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. It employs barium sulfate, a radiopaque contrast material, to provide clear images of the upper digestive system, helping to identify abnormalities, diseases, or structural issues.
Purpose and Procedure
Patients undergoing this procedure ingest a liquid containing barium sulfate with a chalky...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography

Echocardiography plays a role in assessing cardiac health and detecting heart conditions, with various types providing critical insights for diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for diagnosing...