[Sonographic analysis of swallowing in the cervical section of the esophagus]

Dysphagia is a common symptom reported by patients in various medical fields, raising the question of diagnosis. In addition to otorhinolaryngologic examination with a mirror, the current gold standards videofluoroscopy and fiber optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) are available. Ultrasound is frequently used in everyday clinical practice, although its application for swallowing diagnostics needs addressing.

Between April 2012 and February 2014, 81 subjects (age 19-66 years) with no indication of a swallowing disorder were sonographically examined. The anatomic representation of swallowing structures was evaluated and videos of the cervical part of the esophagus during swallowing of different consistencies (saliva, water, jelly) were recorded and analyzed. In a pilot study, the examination was tested on 3 dysphagia patients.

The base of the tongue, the intralaryngeal structures, the cervical spine, and the thyroid glands were well visualized. Sonographic representation of the cervical esophagus section was particularly successful. Its length could be detected at 5.78 ± 1.66 cm, the diameter measured at 0.88 ± 0.10 cm. Sonographic inspection of the sinus piriformis was most difficult; it could not be seen in 39.5% of cases. Visualization of the sinus piriformis was better in cases of normal weight and age <25 years (odds ratios 5.6 and 11.3, respectively). In the examination of patients with a swallowing disorder, three different pathologies (Forestier's disease, esophageal stenosis, and motor neuron disease) were identified as the cause of complaints.

Sonography enables very good visualization of swallowing and evaluation of the cervical esophagus. Where available, the otorhinolaryngologist should consider ultrasound as a diagnostic option, as it enables repeated evaluation of swallowing and can complement previously available diagnostic tools.