Radiological assessment of dysphagia in Parkinson's disease

Videofluoroscopy was used to examine swallowing in 24 patients with Parkinson's disease and dysphagia. Motility patterns for liquids, semi-solids and solid foods were classified into oral, pharyngeal and oesophageal phases. Abnormalities in swallowing were demonstrated in 92% of patients in the oral phase, 54% in the pharyngeal phase and 8% in the oesophageal phase. Tracheal aspiration occurred in 46%. These abnormalities were more marked with liquids than with semi-solids or solids. Abnormalities of swallowing are common in Parkinsonian patients with dysphagia. Videofluoroscopy is the appropriate method of investigation.