B-mode ultrasound scanning of the tongue during swallowing

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of video-based dynamic B-mode ultrasound in differentiating normal from abnormal swallowing. Tongue position at rest and during the oral phase of swallowing was examined with a 5 MHz transducer placed under the chin in 60 subjects aged between 6 and 33 years. 40 patients with abnormal tongue movement or swallowing were compared with a control group of 20 adults with Angle Class I occlusion without any signs of dysfunctional tongue activity. The ultrasound sequences were videotaped and the movement of the tongue in swallowing a 2 ml water bolus analysed qualitatively. An abnormal swallowing pattern was demonstrated in 19 patients. Those with an Angle Class III malocclusion had the highest rate of abnormal swallowing. Video-based ultrasound scanning in the sagittal plane seems to be a useful screening method for the diagnosis of poor tongue coordination during swallowing, especially for the imaging of tongue thrust in children.