Morphologic parameters of normal swallowing events using single-shot fast spin echo dynamic MRI

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Gastroenterology
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Dysphagia diagnosis often relies on invasive or radiation-based methods.
• Noninvasive imaging techniques are needed for accurate swallowing evaluation.
• Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers potential for detailed anatomical visualization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify visible and measurable morphological parameters of normal swallowing using dynamic MRI.
• To assess the feasibility of noninvasive MRI for evaluating swallowing in dysphagia patients.
• To establish a preliminary basis for MRI-based swallowing assessments.

Main Methods:

• Dynamic MRI with single-shot fast spin echo (SSFSE) was employed on seven healthy volunteers (24-40 years).
• A 1.5-T MRI unit with a head and neck antenna was used.
• Participants underwent five swallowing series (dry, water, marshmallow, cake, cookie chewing) with 15 acquisitions per series.

Main Results:

• The oral preparatory, oral, and oropharyngeal phases of swallowing were consistently visible.
• Spatial resolution enabled measurement of laryngeal elevation, oropharyngeal diameter, and tongue base/velum displacement.
• No aspiration, reflux, or abnormal residue was observed in healthy volunteers.

Conclusions:

• SSFSE dynamic MRI is suitable for evaluating anatomical and physiological swallowing characteristics.
• The technique allows for measurement of key morphological parameters in normal swallowing.
• Temporal swallowing parameters and mastication cannot be studied with this method; it complements other techniques like videofluoroscopy.