Article

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of aspiration with
respect to the viscosity of ingested material in patients with dysphagia. Seventy
patients with dysphagia underwent videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS)
between May 1, 2009 and September 30, 2009. Based on the findings of the VFSS,
patients were divided into three groups: a thick-fluid aspiration group, a
thin-fluid aspiration group, and a no-aspiration group. Kinematic analyses were
performed during thick-fluid swallowing. Among our 70 patients, 23 had
thick-fluid aspiration, 20 had thin-fluid aspiration, and 27 had no aspiration. A
shortened duration of upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening, a shorter
interval between UES opening and peak pharyngeal constriction, and a diminished
extent of laryngeal elevation were all significant risk factors for thick-fluid
aspiration. A prolonged latency of the swallowing reflex, pharyngeal transit
time, and the interval between bolus arrival at the vallecula and laryngeal
elevation were all significant risk factors for thin-fluid aspiration. Our
kinematic analysis of dysphagia employing the VFSS indicated that the mechanisms
relevant to aspiration differed with respect to food viscosity.

Langue : ANGLAIS