Esophageal visualization as an adjunct to the videofluoroscopic study of swallowing

Complaints of dysphagia for solids lead to speech-language pathology (SLP) referral. Yet many of these patients are later diagnosed with esophageal rather than oropharyngeal dysphagia. Fluoroscopic screening involving the oropharynx alone fails to identify these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of esophageal abnormalities in an SLP-led videofluoroscopic study of swallowing (VFSS) clinic.

Prospective, observational study.

Radiology suite, public hospital.

In total, 111 consecutive mixed-etiology patients referred to the clinic by otorhinolaryngology (ORL) (59) or by a speech-language pathologist (52) were recruited. A VFSS was performed according to protocol, and at completion, esophageal visualization (in anterior-posterior plane) was performed by administration of a large liquid barium bolus and a barium capsule. All VFSS recordings were analyzed using objective digital measures of timing and displacement.

Sixty-eight percent of patients had an abnormal esophageal transit. One-third of those referred presented exclusively with esophageal abnormalities, while one-third had both oropharyngeal and esophageal abnormalities. Oral abnormalities, reduced pharyngoesophageal segment maximum opening (PESmax), and increasing age were significantly associated with esophageal abnormalities.

Fluoroscopic evaluation of the pharynx alone, without esophageal review, risks incomplete diagnosis of patients with esophageal disorders. Using esophageal visualization allows timely referral for further investigation by appropriate medical specialties, avoiding incomplete management of patients with dysphagia.