Signs Of Dysphagia Research Articles

NMDA-receptor antibody and anti-Hu antibody positive paraneoplastic syndrome associated with a primary mediastinal seminoma

Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) are mostly immune-mediated, tumor-associated disorders that can develop years before detection of any malignancy. Their prevalence varies among different tumor types. Diagnostic criteria for PNS include the presence of a classical or nonclassical clinical syndrome in association with antineuronal antibodies and the presence of any malignancy [1]. We report the case of a 32-year-old male, who presented with a 2-year history of progressing neurological deficits starting with headaches, muscle pain and weight loss. Nine months later, the patient had developed two generalized epileptic seizures, optic and acoustic hallucinations, oculomotor disturbances, gait ataxia and signs of polyneuropathy. Over time, investigations in external hospitals had led to the assumption of an autoimmune encephalitis according to the following findings: a T2-sequence hyperintense alteration of the right hippocampus in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positive oligoclonal bands but normal cell count in the cerebrospinal fluid, and positive serum tests for Anti-Huand N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid-receptor (NMDA-R) antibodies. Serum antibodies against acetycholine receptors and repeated tumor search remained negative. Treatments with prednisolone, intravenous immunglobuline and plasmapheresis were not effective. On clinical examination we saw a 32-year-old, cachectic and wheelchair bound patient with complex oculomotor disturbances including an anisocoric, converged right pupil with disturbed abduction and a dysfunction of horizontal movements of both eyes. There were signs of dysphagia and dysphonia. Severe generalized muscle atrophy and muscle pain were accompanied by pareses focused on the muscles of the neck causing a dropped head, but pareses were also found in the muscles of the proximal upper limb region and the distal lower limbs. Severe gait and limb ataxia and signs of polyneuropathy predominantly of the lower limbs including pallhypaesthesia and arreflexia made it impossible for the patient to stand or walk. Considering the fast progression of symptoms several diagnostics were repeated: cerebral MRI (1.5 T) showed an unchanged T2-hyperintense, non-contrast enhancing signal alteration of the right hippocampal area (Fig. 1). The patient’s serum was again tested positive (Indirect immunofluorescence test [2], Euroimmun Medical Laboratory Diagnostics, Luebeck, Germany) for anti-Hu-antibodies (titre 1:1,000, reference \1:10) and NMDA-R antibodies (titre 1:320, reference\1:10). The patient denied repetition of lumbar puncture at this point. Electroneurography demonstrated a mostly demyelinating sensorimotor I. Pohley M. Wittstock R. Benecke A. Wolters Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany

The prevalence and signs of Dysphagia among stroke patients in rehabilitation units

Dysphagia, a very common post-stroke symptom, has been linked to aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and increased length of hospitalization. While patients are typically monitored for dysphagia continuously following their transfer to a rehabilitation unit, little is known about the results of dysphagia reassessments. This study investigates the prevalence and signs of dysphagia among stroke patients in rehabilitation units. We analyzed patients with stroke admitted to a rehabilitation unit of a medical center in southern Taiwan. The procedure included chart review, the repetitive saliva swallowing test (RSST), and the modified water swallowing test (MWST). Dysphagia was defined as either RSST or MWST abnormal. JMP 9.0 was used to perform descriptive statistics, t-test, chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. At clinical examination, 53.61% of the study subjects demonstrated dysphagia. Chi-square analysis showed that five abnormal signs (could not close mouth with water, without mastication, food stuck in the throat, obvious sputum sound, and choking after swallowing) are all associated with dysphagia. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed choking is a significant predictor variable of dysphagia. Over half of the rehabilitation unit stroke patients in this study had dysphagia. Nurses are the primary care providers for dysphagia patients. Therefore, there is a need for ward nurses to have skills to assess, recognize, and manage dysphagia and to enhance patient safety.

Resection of Entrapped, Over-Distended Soft Palate in a Male Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromidarius)

A male dromedary camel was presented with clinical signs of dysphagia and dysponea due to entrapment of large, oedematous, haemorrhagic and overly distended soft palate (dulaa or gulaa) commonly occur during its rutting season. In order to maintain the patency of airway, complete ablation of distended soft palate was practised using deep sedation and local infiltration. Obligation of proper surgical techniques and maintenance of adequate postoperative measures rewarded with uneventful recovery.

Dysphagia and swallowing-related quality of life in Friedreich ataxia

Dysphagia in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) and its impact on quality of life is not adequately understood. The objective of this study was to characterise dysphagia in FRDA and to determine the impact of swallowing dysfunction on activities, participation, and sense of well-being. Thirty-six individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of FRDA were assessed via a clinical bedside examination (CBE), the Royal Brisbane Hospital outcome measure for swallowing, an oral-motor examination and the Australian therapy outcome measures for speech and swallowing (AusTOMS). Data on swallowing function, diet modification and swallowing strategies were collated. Thirty-three (91.67%) participants exhibited clinical signs of dysphagia according to the CBE, and all participants received ratings indicating swallowing difficulties on at least one other measure. Dysphagia in FRDA is characterised by oral and pharyngeal stage impairment relating to incoordination, weakness and spasticity. A significant positive correlation was found between the severity of impairment, activity, participation and distress/well-being on the AusTOMS, suggesting that swallowing function decreases with overall reductions in quality of life. A significant correlation was found between activity on the AusTOMS and disease duration (r=-0.283, p=0.012). No significant correlations were found between dysphagia severity and GAA repeat length, age of onset or disease severity. Participants employing diet modification and swallowing strategies demonstrated higher dysphagia severity, activity limitations and participation restrictions. These data advocate a holistic approach to dysphagia management in FRDA. Early detection of swallowing impairment and consideration of the potential impact dysphagia has on quality of life should be key aspects in disease management.

Dysphagia in Lewy body dementia - a clinical observational study of swallowing function by videofluoroscopic examination

BackgroundDysphagia, which can result in aspiration pneumonia and death, is a well-known problem in patients with dementia and Parkinson’s disease. There are few studies on dysphagia in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), especially studies objectively documenting the type of swallowing dysfunction. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the prevalence, and define the actual swallowing dysfunction according to a videofluoroscopic swallowing examination (VFSE) in patients with DLB and PDD.MethodsEighty-two consecutive patients with DLB or PDD in a clinical follow-up program were asked about symptoms of dysphagia. Those experiencing dysphagia were examined with VFSE. Prevalence and type of swallowing dysfunction was recorded.ResultsTwenty-six patients (32%) reported symptoms of dysphagia such as swallowing difficulties or coughing. Twenty-four (92%) of these had a documented swallowing dysfunction on VFSE. Eighty-eight percent suffered from pharyngeal dysfunction.ConclusionsAlmost all DLB or PDD patients with subjective signs of dysphagia had pathologic results on VFSE, the majority of pharyngeal type. This type of dysphagia has not been reported in DLB before. The results have clinical implications and highlight the importance of asking for and examining swallowing function to prevent complications such as aspiration.

Detecting signs of dysphagia in patients with Alzheimer's disease with oral feeding in daily life

It is important to understand dysphagia in patients with dementia, as it is associated with malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia. Particularly in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), mortality from pneumonia is high and accounts for 70% of the causes of death. However, the standard swallowing tests are often difficult to use for patients with dementia, and methods to assess daily swallowing function are required. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to identify signs of dysphagia in AD patients in daily life. A total of 155 AD patients underwent evaluation of their swallowing function (modified water swallowing test), oral status (residual teeth, occlusal contacts), oral functions (lips function, tongue function, rinsing and gargling ability), vital functions (Barthel Index, Vitality Index), nutritional status (serum albumin, body mass index), cognitive function and neurological signs (Mini-Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating, limb contractures), and diet-related assessments (storing food in the mouth, stuffing food into the mouth, appetite, caloric intake). The severity of AD was significantly associated with swallowing function (P < 0.001). According to logistic regression analysis, the factor most significantly associated with dysphagia was "rinsing ability" (P = 0.001, odds ratio 4.8, 95% confidence interval 1.9-12.1). The factors that affect swallowing function in AD patients were examined. The swallowing function of severe AD patients was poor, and an association between AD and dysphagia was shown. Defective rinsing ability was identified as a risk factor for dysphagia. Therefore, observation of daily rinsing ability appears to be useful to identify signs of dysphagia in AD patients.

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Although previous studies demonstrated that patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) may present subclinical manifestations of dysphagia, in not one were different textures and volumes systematically studied. The aim of this study was to analyze the signs and symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) with boluses of different textures and volumes in a large cohort of patients with OSAS. A total of 72 OSAS patients without symptoms of dysphagia were enrolled. The cohort was divided in two groups: 30 patients with moderate OSAS and 42 patients with severe OSAS. Each patient underwent a FEES examination using 5, 10 and 20ml of liquids and semisolids, and solids. Spillage, penetration, aspiration, retention, and piecemeal deglutition were considered. The penetration-aspiration scale (PAS), pooling score (PS), and dysphagia outcome and severity scale (DOSS) were used for quantitative analysis. Each patient completed the SWAL-QOL questionnaire. Forty-six patients (64%) presented spillage, 20 (28%) piecemeal deglutition, 26 (36%) penetration, and 30 (44%) retention. No differences were found in the PAS, PS, and DOSS scores between patients with moderate and severe OSAS. Patients with severe OSAS scored higher General Burden and Food selection subscales of the SWAL-QOL. Depending on the DOSS score, the cohort of patients was divided into those with and those without signs of dysphagia. Patients with signs of dysphagia scored lower in the General Burden and Symptoms subscales of the SWAL-QOL. OSAS patients show signs of swallowing impairment in about half of the population; clinicians involved in the management of these patients should include questions on swallowing when taking the medical history.

노인요양시설 거주 노인을 위한 한국형 근거기반 연하장애 간호 프로토콜 개발

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop an evidence-based dysphagia nursing care protocol for nursing home (NH) residents in Korea. Methods: The protocol was developed based on international guidelines and literatures. After testing content validity by experts, the protocol was applied to the intervention group (n=35) for 4 weeks at one NH in December, 2011, whereas the control group (n=34) received routine care. Results: The protocol was composed of one-page algorithm and detailed guidelines. Algorithm pathway was organized in 3 parts, including screening dysphagia risk, grouping by dysphagia risk level, and assigning nursing care into each group. The nursing care included positioning, oral care, meal time care, diet modification, providing exercise and maneuver, and checking dysphagia signs and symptoms. The experts verified the content validity. Protocol was revised to fit NH practice after the participant observation. Clinical validity was established upon evaluating usefulness, appropriateness, and convenience of the protocol by NH nurses. Dysphagia risk of the intervention group was significantly decreased. Conclusion: Developed protocol will improve the quality of dysphagia care in nursing homes as it can serve as a consistent and integrated standard for nursing care of residents with dysphagia.

Swallowing disorders in nursing home residents: how can the problem be explained?

BackgroundThe swallowing mechanism changes significantly as people age, even in the absence of chronic diseases. Presbyphagia, a term that refers to aging-related changes in the swallowing mechanism, may be linked to many health conditions and presents itself in distinct ways. Swallowing disorders are also identified as a major problem amongst the elderly population living in nursing homes.MethodsThe study sought to determine the prevalence of swallowing disorders in nursing home residents, to identify the relationship between self-perceived swallowing disorders, cognitive functions, autonomy, and depression, and also to analyze which variables explain the score of the Dysphagia Self-Test (DST). For this purpose, the researchers chose to apply a survey conveying questions on demographic aspects, general health, eating and feeding, as well as instruments to assess functional performance and the 3 ounce Water Swallow Test.ResultsThe sample consisted of 272 elderly people living in eight nursing homes in Portugal. Six did not sign the informed consent form. Of the total, 29% were totally dependent, 33% were depressed, 45% had cognitive impairment, and 38% needed help with feeding. About 43% of the individuals reported having problems related to eating. Regarding the DST, 40% showed signs of dysphagia. With respect to the 3 ounce Water Swallow Test, 38% revealed at least one of the symptoms, wet voice being the most prevalent. Correlation measures showed that age had no linear association with the DST score although correlation with the Barthel Index and Mini Mental State Examination was found to be significant. A linear regression model was estimated with the DST score as the dependent variable and the MMSE and BI scores, gender, age, education, the Geriatric Depression Scale score, 3 ounce Water Swallow Test, and diagnosed conditions (such as neurological disorder, dementia, and cardiorespiratory problems) as explaining variables.ConclusionResults showed a high prevalence of dysphagia signs amongst a nursing home population. For the purpose of the present study, both a subjective and an objective assessment were applied. Results pointed to a significant statistical relation between objective and subjective measures, thus indicating that a self-perception test should be included in the assessment of swallowing disorders in a nursing home population. Notwithstanding, it should not be used as a single or principal measure as it is influenced by the individuals’ cognitive condition.

Deep-brain-stimulation does not impair deglutition in Parkinson's disease

ObjectiveA large proportion of patients with Parkinson's disease develop dysphagia during the course of the disease. Dysphagia in Parkinson's disease affects different phases of deglutition, has a strong impact on quality of life and may cause severe complications, i.e. aspirational pneumonia. So far, little is known on how deep-brain-stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus influences deglutition in PD. MethodsVideofluoroscopic swallowing studies on 18 patients with Parkinson's disease, which had been performed preoperatively, and postoperatively with deep-brain-stimulation-on and deep-brain-stimulation-off, were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were examined in each condition with three consistencies (viscous, fluid and solid). The ‘New Zealand Index for Multidisciplinary Evaluation of Swallowing (NZIMES) Subscale One’ for qualitative and ‘Logemann-MBS-Parameters’ for quantitative evaluation were assessed. ResultsPreoperatively, none of the patients presented with clinically relevant signs of dysphagia. While postoperatively, the mean daily levodopa equivalent dosage was reduced by 50% and deep-brain-stimulation led to a 50% improvement in motor symptoms measured by the UPDRS III, no clinically relevant influence of deep-brain-stimulation-on swallowing was observed using qualitative parameters (NZIMES). However quantitative parameters (Logemann scale) found significant changes of pharyngeal parameters with deep-brain-stimulation-on as compared to preoperative condition and deep-brain-stimulation-off mostly with fluid consistency. ConclusionIn Parkinson patients without dysphagia deep-brain-stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus modulates the pharyngeal deglutition phase but has no clinically relevant influence on deglutition. Further studies are needed to test if deep-brain-stimulation is a therapeutic option for patients with swallowing disorders.

Factors affecting independence in eating among elderly with Alzheimer's disease

In elderly patients with dementia, disturbed eating behavior is understood to be a core symptom or a behavioral and psychological symptom of dementia (BPSD). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the factors affecting self-feeding in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). A total of 150 AD patients who were hospitalized in dementia wards, or were residents of institutions or group homes were enrolled. The patients underwent an eating behavior examination, cognitive assessment, neurological examination and vital function tests. The eating behavior examination consisted of observation of the patients at mealtime. Items assessing eating behavior included the number of feeding cycles, stopping of eating or agitation and dysfunction. Logistic regression analysis carried out to identify factors with a significant effect on decreased independence in eating were difficulty in beginning a meal (OR = 14.498, CI = 2.067-101.690), presence of dysphagia signs (OR = 5.214, CI = 1.031-26.377) and the severity of dementia (OR = 4.538, CI = 1.154-17.843). The present study is the first to generate objective data showing that difficulty in beginning a meal is a factor that hinders independence in eating in AD, in addition to the presence of dysphagia signs and the severity of dementia. Assisting AD patients in maintaining eating independence might be effectively achieved by eliminating environmental factors that interfere with beginning a meal, and by providing assistance that will promote beginning a meal. The present results show the necessity of developing effective methods for assisting elderly patients with AD.

Effect of omentum graft on esophageal anastomosis in dogs

This aim of this study was to evaluate the complications and final function outcome of wrapping nonvascularized omentum graft around the suture line of esophageal anastomosis. Twelve adult local breed dogs were used in this study. The animals were divided into two equal groups (control and treated), all animal induced into general anesthesia by injection of atropen sulphate in a dose 0.04 mg/kg B.W, intramuscularly then after 15 minute given mixture of ketamine hydrochloride and xylazine hydrochloride in doses 15 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg B.W intramuscularly respectively. An oblique resection of about 1cm of the esophageal length and anastomosis by double layer of simple interrupted pattern by 2.0 cat gut suture (control group), same procedure was done in treated group except the wrapping the anastomosis site with patch of omentum tissue after lapratomy operation in the left flank region procedure. The clinical signs of treated animal revealed signs of dysphagia and regurgitation in treated group while this signs disappear in the control group. Radiological and histopathological examination of the anastomosis site performed at 15 and 30 days post operation. Radiological study recorded high degree of stenosis in the anastomosis site in treated group at 15 and 30 days post operation in compared with animals in control group that record mean degree of stenosis in treated group at 15 day (57.61±0.2) and at 30 day (55.78±0.2) while it recorded in control group at 15 day (39.34±1.04) and at 30 day (36.0.6 ±0.9), histopathological results recorded enhanced healing of anastomosis site in treated animals more than control animals. In conclusion we found that non vascularized omental graft prevent leak when used around the anastomosis line in esophageal and enhanced healing of anastomosis line but it increase the stenosis, fibrosis and adhesion of anastomosis site with surrounding muscle and this interferes with the swallowing as well as dysphagia and regurgitation.

Severe Esophageal Injuries Occurring After General Anesthesia in Two Cats: Case Report and Literature Review

Two healthy cats underwent elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia. One developed severe esophagitis leading to esophageal rupture, mediastinitis, and pyothorax. The other cat developed esophageal stricture, diverticulum formation, and suspected iatrogenic perforation. Both cats had signs of dysphagia and regurgitation beginning a few days after anesthesia. The first cat also had severe dyspnea due to septic pleural effusion and pneumomediastinum. In the second cat, endoscopy revealed diffuse esophagitis, an esophageal stricture, and a large esophageal diverticulum. Rupture of the esophageal wall occurred while inflating the esophagus for inspection. Due to the poor prognosis, both cats were euthanized. Necropsy revealed severe esophageal changes. Postanesthetic esophagitis has been previously described in dogs and cats; however, severe life-threatening esophageal injuries rarely occur as a sequel to general anesthesia. To the authors' knowledge, esophageal rupture secondary to perianesthetic reflux has never been reported in cats.

Safe initiation of oral diets in hospitalized patients based on passing a 3-ounce (90 cc) water swallow challenge protocol

Safe and timely oral alimentation is crucial for optimum patient care. To determine the short-term success of recommending specific oral diets, including drinking thin liquids, to acute care hospitalized patients at risk for dysphagia based on passing a 3-ounce water swallow challenge protocol. Prospective single group consecutively referred case series. Large, urban, tertiary care, teaching hospital. 1000 hospitalized patients. 3-ounce (90 cc) water swallow challenge protocol. Specific diet recommendations and volume (in cc) of liquid ingested at the next day's meal 12-24 h after passing a 3-ounce challenge protocol were accessed electronically from oral intake information entered on each participant's daily care logs. Eating and drinking success, clinically evident aspiration events and compliance with ordering the recommended diet were recorded. Care providers were blinded to the study's purpose. Of 1000 patients, 907 met the inclusion criteria of stable medical, surgical or neurological conditions 12-24 h after passing a 3-ounce water swallow challenge protocol. All 907 were both eating and drinking thin liquids successfully and without overt signs of dysphagia. Median volume of liquid ingested was 340 cc [interquartile range (IQR), 240-460]. Specific diet recommendations were followed with 100% accuracy. A 3-ounce water swallow challenge protocol successfully identified patients who can be safely advanced to an oral diet without subsequent identification of overt signs of aspiration within 12-24 h of testing. Importantly, when a clinical 3-ounce challenge protocol administered by a trained provider is passed, specific diet recommendations, including drinking thin liquids, can be made safely and without the need for additional instrumental dysphagia testing.

Cholinergic crisis after neostigmine administration in a dog with acquired focal myasthenia gravis

To describe the presentation and successful management of a dog experiencing a cholinergic crisis after neostigmine administration. An 18-month-old neutered male Maltese-crossbred dog was diagnosed with acquired focal myasthenia gravis based on history and clinical signs of dysphagia and regurgitation, multiple series of thoracic radiographs showing focal to generalized megaesophagus, and an increased acetylcholine receptor antibody titer. After this diagnosis, the dog was initially treated with a single oral dose of pyridostigmine and later injectable neostigmine due to difficulty swallowing. Within 15 minutes of receiving a single dose (0.05 mg/kg) of subcutaneous neostigmine, the dog began showing muscarinic cholinergic signs of salivation and defecation, which progressed to nicotinic cholinergic signs of weakness and tachypnea. Within 30 minutes the dog experienced respiratory arrest and required ventilation. After 16 hours of ventilation, the dog recovered uneventfully and subsequently achieved a clinical and serologic remission from myasthenia gravis without further treatment. Cholinergic crisis and differentiation from a myasthenic crisis is described in the human literature. This case represents the first report in the veterinary literature of a cholinergic crisis in a dog treated with neostigmine.

Estudo prospectivo da deglutição na Mucopolissacaridose II (síndrome de Hunter) antes e após tratamento enzimático

Estudo de caso para avaliar a deglutição pré e pós-tratamento enzimático de um indivíduo com Mucopolissacaridose e analisar se o tratamento ocasionou melhora na deglutição. Foi realizado o estudo descritivo de um indivíduo com 9 anos e 6 meses do gênero masculino, com a forma grave da doença, com observação em três momentos: uma avaliação pré-tratamento e duas pós-tratamento. Foram realizadas as seguintes avaliações: fonoaudiológica para disfagia; quadro respiratório por um pneumologista; clínica otorrinolaringológica e a videoendoscopia da deglutição. Posteriormente, os resultados foram interpretados segundo a escala Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) e os dados analisados por meio de análise descritiva. Os resultados demonstraram nas avaliações pré e primeira pós-tratamento, presença de disfagia com repercussão na dinâmica alimentar. A segunda avaliação pós-tratamento evidenciou ausência de disfagia, com possibilidade para todas as consistências, porém com restrição da consistência sólida devido à dificuldade na mastigação consequente à alteração oclusal significativa. Além disso, verificou-se normalidade da videoendoscopia da deglutição e gradativa melhora na dinâmica da deglutição no decorrer do tratamento. O estudo mostrou presença de disfagia com repercussão negativa na dinâmica alimentar, e ainda que o tratamento enzimático por mais de um ano trouxe melhoras para a deglutição, com repercussão positiva na dinâmica alimentar.

Effects of Intravenously Administered Esomeprazole Sodium on Gastric Juice pH in Adult Female Horses

Gastric ulcers are common in horses and treatment of horses that cannot be administered oral medication can be problematic. To evaluate the efficacy of esomeprazole sodium administered intravenously on gastric juice pH and gastric ulcer scores in horses. Twelve adult female Quarter Horses. Esomeprazole sodium (0.5 mg/kg IV) was administered once daily to 8 horses (treatment group) and saline (5 mL IV) was administered to 4 horses (control group) for 13 consecutive days. Gastroscopy was performed and gastric juice pH and gastric ulcer score were recorded before and 1 hour after the administration of esomeprazole sodium or saline on days 1 and 5, then on day 14, 23 hours after the 13th daily dose of esomeprazole sodium or saline. When compared with values before treatment, gastric juice pH was higher in esomeprazole sodium-treated horses after treatment (4.25 ± 2.39 versus 6.43 ± 1.18; P = .002). Also, gastric juice pH was higher (P = .001) in esomeprazole sodium-treated horses compared with saline-treated control horses on day 5 and on day 14 values. Gastric ulcers were seen in 5/12 (43%) horses in the study. Esomeprazole sodium shows promise for treatment of gastric ulcers in horses with signs of dysphagia, gastric reflux, or other conditions that restrict oral intake of the current Federal Drug Administration-approved omeprazole paste.

Voice-quality Abnormalities as a Sign of Dysphagia: Validation against Acoustic and Videofluoroscopic Data

In this study we explored the validity of clinician judgments of voice abnormalities as indicators of penetration-aspiration or other swallowing abnormalities. Voice samples were collected using a high-quality microphone from 40 adults during videofluoroscopy (VFSS), at baseline and following each of four thin liquid swallows. Blinded speech-language pathologists (SLPs) rated the audio recordings for voice quality using the GRBAS scale and the VFSS recordings for abnormal swallow onset, penetration-aspiration, airway closure, and pharyngeal residues. Acoustic measures of % jitter, % shimmer, and signal-to-noise ratio were calculated using two /a/ vowel segments spliced from each voice recording. Preswallow to postswallow measures of voice-quality change were derived and the data were compared to determine the correspondence between perceived voice abnormalities, acoustic voice parameters, and radiographically confirmed swallowing abnormalities. The sensitivity of perceived postswallow changes in voice quality to dysphagia and penetration-aspiration was poor, ranging from 8 to 29%. Specificity was stronger for both penetration-aspiration (75-94%) and dysphagia (59-86%). Acoustic measures of voice quality had moderate sensitivity and specificity for both dysphagia and penetration-aspiration. Overall, perceptual judgments of postswallow wet voice showed the strongest potential for detecting penetration-aspiration (relative risk=3.24). We conclude that a clear postswallow voice quality provides reasonable evidence that penetration-aspiration and dysphagia are absent. However, observations of abnormal postswallow voice quality can be misleading and are not a valid indication that penetration-aspiration or dysphagia exists.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: sonographic evaluation of dysphagia

The authors sought to determine the role of video ultrasonography (VUS) in the diagnostic assessment of dysphagia in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Nine patients underwent simultaneous static and dynamic VUS examination and videofluoroscopy (VFS) of swallowing. At the static phase, VUS showed 5/9 patients had lingual atrophy. Abnormal bolus position was observed in 6/9 patients at VUS and 3/9 at VFS. Both techniques identified an inability to keep the bolus in the oral cavity in 4/9 patients. At the dynamic phase, reduced lingual movement was observed in 5/9 patients at VUS and 2/9 at VFS. Disorganised tongue movement was seen in 3/9 patients at VUS and in 2/9 at VFS. Fragmented swallowing was only visualised at VUS. Stagnation of ingested material was never visualised at VUS, whereas it was clearly depicted in 2/9 patients at VFS. VUS can be integrated into the diagnostic protocol for evaluating swallowing in patients with ALS, as it has higher sensitivity than VFS in assessing the dynamic factors that represent the early signs of dysphagia.

Signal recognition particle (SRP) positive myositis in a patient with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP)

We report of a 46-year-old female patient with cryptogen organizing pneumonia preceding the rare SRP positive necrotising myositis without cardiac involvement and no sign of dysphagia. Myositis showed full regression without oral immune suppression but with extracorporeal treatment, performed as a combined therapy of plasmaexchange and immunoadsorption. After 33-month of treatment, anti-SRP antibodies were not detectable any more.