[Radiologic differential diagnosis of neurologically-induced deglutition disorders]

This paper explains the differential diagnosis of neurological dysphagia. Special groups of diseases are described that can only be assessed by dynamic recording modalities like videofluoroscopy and high-speed cineradiography. The need for dynamic recording results from the physiological data of deglutition. The act of deglutition lasts only 0.7 s, but requires the well-coordinated action of 5 cranial nerves and 26 muscle groups. For a systematic analysis of the underlying neurological disease a precise description of possible pathological single observations from the oral cavity to the cardia is offered to the radiologist. Important hints concerning possible "pitfalls" due to non-neurologically caused pharyngoesophageal motility disturbances are given. Although dynamic recording does not always allow the precise diagnosis of the underlying neurological disease, it enables us to classify the motor disturbances and leads to distinct "groups of disease." Thus, dynamic recording of deglutition is of crucial importance for further conservative or functional surgical treatment of the dysphagic patient.