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Even without diseases that cause dysphagia, physiological swallowing function declines with age, increasing the risk of aspiration. This study analyzed age-related changes in laryngeal movement in older adults. The study population consisted of 10 volunteers in their 80s and six in their 20s. A videofluoroscopic study of 3 and 10 mL barium swallows was performed laterally using a digital fluorographic. The recorded images were retrieved to a personal computer and analyzed frame-by-frame using video analysis software. The movement of the larynx during swallowing, barium's pharyngeal transit time (PTT), and laryngeal elevation delay time (LEDT) were analyzed. Results were compared between the 20s and 80s age groups using statistical analyses. The PTT was shorter in the 20s than in the 80s age group. The PTT was significantly longer in the 80s group than in the 20s for both 3 and 10 mL barium swallows. LEDT in the 80s was statistically significantly longer than that in the 20s for the 10 ml barium. No statistically significant differences were found; however, there was a tendency for the 80s group to have more types of laryngeal movement velocity peaks. In this study, LEDT was prolonged in the 80s with 10 ml barium swallowing than in the 20s. Two peak patterns of laryngeal elevation during swallowing were observed. The velocity peaks showed a two-peak pattern when the patients were in their 80s and when the barium volume was tested at 10 mL. Our results suggest that aging's effect on swallowing relates to laryngeal elevation., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Society of The Nippon Dental University.)

Objective(s): To investigate the effect of superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) block in patients with non-cough complaints relating to laryngeal who have failed conventional medical therapy., Methods: Retrospective chart review of 46 patients who underwent SLN block for non-cough indications between July 2019 and March 2022 was performed. Demographics, comorbidities, and patient-reported outcomes were collected. The primary diagnoses for this group included: odynophagia, throat pain, cervicalgia, muscle tension dysphonia, globus sensation, hyoid bone syndrome, and Eagle syndrome., Results: The cohort underwent an average of 1.24 bilateral injections (range 0-7) and 0.87 unilateral injections (range 0-4). About 35 of 46 patients reported an average of 51.0% improvement in their symptoms, with the treatment effect lasting 7.60 weeks on average. On subgroup analysis, the patients with spasmodic dysphonia, odynophagia, and hyoid bone syndrome had the best percent improvement on average (75%-77.5%). Patients with globus sensation had the lowest percent improvement on average in response to this therapy, reporting only about 25%. Five patients experienced a mild adverse reaction immediately following injection which resolved spontaneously., Conclusion: The use of in-office SLN block for non-cough disorders involving the larynx requires further study with larger sample sizes to better delineate the efficacy of these applications., Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:1765-1768, 2024., (© 2023 The Authors. The Laryngoscope published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Background: People recurrently have difficulties swallowing solid medications, which can be associated with the size of the medication and the age and gender of individuals., Objective: To evaluate the impact of capsule size and adults' age and gender on oral and pharyngeal capsule transit during capsule swallows., Methods: Videofluoroscopy was used to measure capsule oral and pharyngeal transit during swallows in 49 healthy individuals (17 men and 32 women), with a mean age of 46 years (ranging from 23 to 88 years). Smaller capsules were filled with 0.50 mL of barium sulfate, and larger capsules were filled with 0.95 mL of barium sulfate; the volume of liquid ingested with the capsules was also quantified in each ingestion. The measurements included the oral preparation time, oral transit time, swallowing reaction time, time to laryngeal vestibule closure, laryngeal vestibule closure duration, pharyngeal transit time, and upper esophageal sphincter opening duration., Results: The capsule size did not influence either the oral or pharyngeal transit time. Increased liquid volume was ingested with larger capsules and by people older than 40 years. The oral transit time was shorter in older adults (60-88 years), and the time to laryngeal vestibule closure was longer in women., Conclusion: The size of large capsules did not make a difference in oral or pharyngeal transit when compared with smaller capsules. The capsule size and the participant's age influenced the volume of liquid ingested - larger capsules and older individuals required a larger volume. The capsule oral transit was faster in individuals older than 60 years., Background: •Swallowing is influenced by the characteristics of what is being swallowed., Background: •There was no difference in swallowing capsules containing 0.50 mL or 0.95 mL., Background: •Larger capsules need more liquid ingestion to make swallowing easier., Background: •Individuals older than 40 years need a greater volume of liquid to swallow capsules than younger adults.

Objectives: This manuscript aims to present a novel and successful intervention for intractable aspiration following a supracricoid laryngectomy (SCL) that may avoid the need for total laryngectomy in patients experiencing intractable aspiration after SCL., Study Design: This report describes a novel approach to treat intractable aspiration and feeding tube-dependency due to an incomplete posterior apposition of the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis to the arytenoids after a SCL in a 67-year-old man., Methods: The right and left aryepiglottic folds and the median glossoepiglottic fold were denuded using a CO 2 laser. Then, an arytenoepiglottopexy was completed by placing 4-0 Vicryl between the lateral aspect of the epiglottis and arytenoids; thus, approximating these structures., Results: Two weeks after surgery, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing demonstrated improved closure of the larynx upon swallowing with great upgrading in the Penetration-Aspiration scale (PAS). PAS improved from a 6 to 2, corresponding to, transient penetration for moderately thick liquids and puree solids. He also demonstrated improved secretion management and airway protection. Following a 4-week course of intensive dysphagia therapy, a modified barium swallow revealed a significant improvement in airway protection, with a PAS score of 1 (no airway invasion)., Conclusions: Chronic aspiration is a life-threatening condition that can severely reduce patients' quality of life. Despite the use of current therapeutic approaches, a subset of patients will remain plagued by persistent symptoms. We introduce an innovative, simple, and quick endoscopic technique that offers benefit in controlling aspiration after SCL., Level of Evidence: NA., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Purpose of Review: Dysphagia affects at least 1% of the pediatric population. This prevalence further increases in patients who are born prematurely or who have underlying neuromuscular or cardiopulmonary disorders. A multidisciplinary team approach, including an Otolaryngologist, can help promote an expedited diagnosis and therapeutic regimen, ensuring that the patient receives adequate nutrition needed for growth and development., Recent Findings: The development and growth of multidisciplinary aerodigestive clinics have improved outcomes in pediatric patients with dysphagia. If a structural concern is noted on examination, there remain a multitude of medical and surgical options to help improve patient outcomes and swallow. These treatment options are usually multimodality and specific interventions may be employed to target a specific and notable abnormality., Summary: Pediatric dysphagia is a complex concern. For the otolaryngologist, etiologies with surgical targets may include ankyloglossia, tonsillar hypertrophy, laryngomalacia, laryngo-esophageal cleft, vocal fold movement impairment, and cricopharyngeal achalasia. The development and formalization of a multidisciplinary approach has streamlined and broadened treatment options for these patients. An otolaryngologist is integral as part of the treatment team of these patients., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Accumulated pharyngo-laryngeal secretions are associated with dysphagia, aspiration, and poor health outcomes. Despite ongoing developments in the evaluation of pharyngo-laryngeal secretions, understanding of the underlying mechanisms is limited. Pathophysiology associated with accumulated secretions is needed to guide tailored, targeted treatment pathways. This study reports the prevalence of accumulated pharyngo-laryngeal secretions in a large acute care caseload and explores the relationship between secretions and aerodigestive function., Method: Consecutive inpatients ( N = 222) referred for flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallow (FEES) with suspected dysphagia following assessment by a speech-language pathologist were recruited (43% neurological, 22% neurosurgical, 20% critical care, 15% other), and 250 standardized FEES were completed (222 first FEES, 28 repeat FEES). The assessment protocol included secretion assessment using the New Zealand Secretion Scale (NZSS), pharyngeal squeeze maneuver, laryngeal motor and sensory assessment, Penetration-Aspiration Scale, and Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale. Urge-to-clear ratings were collected during endoscopy. Cough peak expiratory flow and swallow frequency measures were also collected, as well as clinical outcomes at time of discharge., Results: There was a high incidence of accumulated secretions, with 77% of inpatients having elevated NZSS ( Mdn = 3, range: 0-7) and 37% with pooled laryngeal secretions. Accumulated secretions were associated with reduced swallow frequency, reduced laryngeal adductor reflex, impaired pharyngeal squeeze maneuver, and peak expiratory flow. NZSS scores also correlated with swallow measures (Penetration-Aspiration Scale and Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale) and patient outcomes including diet recommendations at discharge and pneumonia during admission., Conclusions: This large study contributes to evidence associating both sensory and motor impairments with secretion accumulation and aspiration risk. Further exploration of the key physiological mechanisms contributing to accumulated secretions will serve as markers to provide proof of principle for targets for secretion management protocols., Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24101667.

Purpose: Our study aims were (a) to examine laryngeal vestibular closure (LVC) temporal measures in healthy adults across tasks used in the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP) protocol to establish normative reference values and (b) to examine influences of age, gender, and swallow task on LVC temporal measures., Method: A retrospective analysis of 195 healthy adults (85 men, 110 women; age range: 21-89 years) who participated in a videofluoroscopic swallowing study was completed. Seven swallow tasks of standardized viscosities and volumes, as per the MBSImP protocol, were analyzed to measure time-to-LVC and LVC duration (LVCd). Descriptive statistics were employed for all measures of interest. Regression modeling was used to explore relationships between LVC temporal measures (time-to-LVC, LVCd) with age, gender, and swallow task. The relationship between time-to-LVC and LVCd was also explored., Results: Significant findings included an increasing trend in LVCd across age (older individuals had a longer LVCd), with women demonstrating a greater increase. Related to viscosity, LVCd was significantly shorter for pudding compared to thin liquid. Furthermore, when compared to 5-ml tasks, LVCd was significantly longer in cup tasks, while time-to-LVC was significantly shorter. An association was also observed between time-to-LVC and LVCd: As time-to-LVC decreased, LVCd increased., Conclusions: LVCd was influenced by age, gender, and swallow task. Longer time-to-LVC was observed in older individuals, particularly older women, and with thin liquids. Study findings contribute to adult normative reference values for LVC temporal measures (time-to-LVC and LVCd) across MBSImP swallowing tasks., Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24126432.

Swallowing occurs preferentially in the expiratory phase of the quiet breathing cycle and at mid-to-low tidal volume. This coordinative pattern imparts important biomechanical advantages to swallowing and airway protection and facilitate laryngeal elevation, laryngeal vestibular and vocal fold closure, and cricopharyngeal sphincter opening. This preferred coordinative relationship between breathing and swallowing is impaired in a variety of patient populations, including head and neck cancer survivors with dysphagia. We developed a training protocol to re-establish more optimal phasing of swallowing with breathing in these patients with striking outcomes, including reduced swallowing physiological impairments and improved airway protection. This motivated us to continue to refine and expand this training protocol and develop new assistive technologies for swallowing monitoring outside of the lab. In this review, we highlight the origins of our optimal respiratory-swallowing coordination hypothesis, describe the biomechanical advantages it provides, carefully describe our training protocol and findings, and chart a course for the next phase of this work. Our overall goal is to harness technology combined with carefully constructed learning paradigms to improve the lives of patients with impaired respiratory-swallowing coordination consequent to a variety of pathologies including head and neck cancer and degenerative neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: Behcet's syndrome (BS) is a chronic, relapsing multisystemic inflammatory perivasculitis and can affect any tissue, including the nervous system. Neuro-Behcet's syndrome (NBS) most commonly affects the CNS parenchyma and presents with a subacute brainstem syndrome that includes cranial neuropathies. Here we describe a rare case of palato-pharyngo-laryngeal myoclonus as a manifestation of NBS and discuss it from a laryngology perspective., Methods: Case report at tertiary care center. Informed consent was obtained from patient. IRB approved as non-human subjects research., Results: A 52-year-old male presented with a progressive history of ataxia, fatigue, apathy, dysphagia, depressed mood, dizziness, poor appetite, subjective fever and recurrent orogenital lesions. He was diagnosed with NBS and treated with methylprednisolone, followed by infliximab and methotrexate. Despite treatment, his severe spastic dysarthria, dysphagia, and aspiration worsened over the next few months, necessitating a gastrotomy tube. With concern for laryngospasm, he was referred to otolaryngology and found to have synchronous and symmetric palatal, pharyngeal, and laryngeal rhythmic myoclonus bilaterally at a frequency of 2 Hz with inappropriate vocal cord closure. Treatment with baclofen and a scopolamine patch improved his breathing and reduced choking events., Conclusions: Palato-pharyngo-laryngeal rhythmic myoclonus can be a presentation of brainstem NBS in the otolaryngology clinic. We theorize perivascular disease in NBS results in a brainstem lesion in the denato-rubro-olivary tract, which results in hypertrophic olivary degeneration and subsequent activation of the inferior olives oscillatory activity, causing palato-pharyngo-laryngeal rhythmic myoclonus. Common symptoms include significant dysarthria, dysphonia, and dysphagia with concern for obstructive sleep apnea and airway compromise. Treatments include pharmacologic therapy, laryngeal botox, and tracheostomy in cases of significant airway compromise.

Purpose: Investigation into dysphagia, dysphonia and laryngeal hypersensitivity after whiplash is limited, offering minimal insight into specific features and impact. This study aimed to explore these symptoms., Materials and Methods: A qualitative interpretive description design was used. Eleven participants with chronic Whiplash Associated Disorder and self-reported swallowing, voice and/or throat-related problems completed baseline symptom questionnaires and were offered a videofluroscopic swallow study to investigate baseline swallowing biomechanics. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore features of swallowing, voice and laryngeal sensory complaints and analysed using thematic analysis., Results: There were high baseline levels of self-reported neck, pain- and throat-related disability and psychological distress. There was no evidence of baseline deficits in swallow biomechanics. Thematic analysis revealed 5 themes: (1) A range of features of dysphagia and dysphonia exist after whiplash with varied clinical course; (2) Activity and participation in swallow and voice activities have changed; (3) There are psychological and emotional impacts; (4) Features of laryngeal hypersensitivity co-exist and (5) There are barriers to management., Conclusions: Swallow, voice and laryngeal sensory problems after whiplash were described, with impacts on quality of life and barriers to management. These insights broaden understanding of post-whiplash sequalae, indicating the need for better detection.Implications for rehabilitationDysphagia, dysphonia and laryngeal hypersensitivity are under-recognised consequences of whiplash.Individuals presenting with dysphagia, dysphonia and laryngeal sensory symptoms after whiplash experience significant implications to wellbeing, activity and participation.Improved understanding of these symptoms may facilitate better detection and subsequent referral to speech-language pathology.Greater understanding into the functional and psychosocial implications of these symptoms may guide more effective post-whiplash assessments and informed rehabilitation.

Early and accurate dysphagia diagnosis is essential for reducing the risk of associated co-morbidities and mortalities. Barriers to current evaluation methods may alter the effectiveness of identifying at-risk patients. This preliminary study evaluates the feasibility of using iPhone X-captured videos of swallowing as a non-contact dysphagia screening tool. Video recordings of the anterior and lateral necks were captured simultaneously with videofluoroscopy in dysphagic patients. Videos were analyzed using an image registration algorithm (phase-based Savitzky-Golay gradient correlation (P-SG-GC)) to determine skin displacements over hyolaryngeal regions. Biomechanical swallowing parameters of hyolaryngeal displacement and velocity were also measured. Swallowing safety and efficiency were assessed by the Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS), Residue Severity Ratings (RSR), and the Normalized Residue Ratio Scale (NRRS). Anterior hyoid excursion and horizontal skin displacements were strongly correlated with swallows of a 20 mL bolus (r s = 0.67). Skin displacements of the neck were moderately to very strongly correlated with scores on the PAS (r s = 0.80), NRRS (r s = 0.41-0.62), and RSR (r s = 0.33). This is the first study to utilize smartphone technology and image registration methods to produce skin displacements indicating post-swallow residual and penetration-aspiration. Enhancing screening methods provides a greater chance of detecting dysphagia, reducing the risk of negative health impacts.

Objectives: Transoral surgery preserves good swallowing function in most cases, however, postoperative dysphagia sometimes leads to fatal complication such as aspiration pneumonia. We investigated the chronological changes in swallowing function have not been revealed relationship with dysphagia. The primary aim of this study was to reveal the mechanism of dysphagia following transoral surgery by analyzing chronological videofluorography (VF) findings. Moreover, the secondary aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between mechanism of dysphagia and risk factors of patients to clarify the risk for dysphagia lead to prevention of postoperative complications., Methods: 22 patients who underwent transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) for either supraglottic or hypopharyngeal cancer were evaluated swallowing function. We performed VF during the preoperative, postoperative acute, and stable phases and investigated the chronological changes in the VF findings. The following parameters were evaluated by VF: horizontal distance of laryngeal movement, vertical distance of laryngeal elevation, laryngeal elevation delay time (LEDT), Bolus Residue Scale (BRS) scores, and Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores. Additionally, we evaluated risk factors for postoperative aspiration by investigating relationships between preoperative VF parameters, age of patients, history of radiation therapy, resection area, tumor (T) stage, postoperative Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and PAS and BRS scores., Results: The median time at which oral feeding was resumed in this study was 9 (2-200) days. The patients who had postoperative acute PAS scores of 4 and above exhibited delays in resuming oral ingestion after surgery. TOVS did not impair laryngeal elevation and LEDT; however, the BRS and PAS scores temporarily worsened in the acute phase compared to the preoperative scores. These scores almost recovered to their preoperative states in the stable phase, and both the BRS and PAS scores worsened and recovered concurrently. Patients who exhibited poor vertical distance in laryngeal elevation as observed via preoperative VF or who had histories of radiation therapy had worse PAS scores in postoperative acute phase VF. Patients with broad resection areas had worse BRS scores in postoperative acute phase VF., Conclusion: TOVS didn't impair the function of laryngeal elevation and elicitation of the swallowing reflex whereas pharyngeal bolus clearance, laryngeal penetration, and aspiration temporarily deteriorated concurrently but eventually almost recovered to their baseline values. Patients with histories of radiotherapy, poor laryngeal elevation, and broad resection areas are at the risk of postoperative dysphagia after TOVS. Patients with these risk factors need appropriate evaluation before resuming postoperative oral intake., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose with this manuscript., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objective: Voluntary cough testing (VCT) may be useful for determining aspiration risk in neurogenic dysphagia; however, has yet to be investigated in traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (tCSCI). The study explored if VCT may elucidate swallowing safety and kinematics related to airway protection in tCSCI survivors., Methods: Ten inpatients, 13-73 days post-tCSCI (7 incomplete injuries), completed VCT and a modified barium swallowing study that was analyzed via the Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) and norm-referenced measures of swallowing events related to airway protection. Spearman rho correlations explored relations among cough airflow, median PAS, and airway protection. Mann-Whitney U tests explored group differences based on clinical airway invasion (PAS > 2) and receiver operating characteristic statistics probed the sensitivity/specificity of VCT measures., Results: Safe (PAS > 2) and unsafe swallowers differed by cough volume acceleration (CVA) for the total sample and by inspiratory duration for incomplete injuries (p = 0.03, r > 0.7). A cut-off value of 24.8 L/s for CVA predicted airway invasion (AUC = 0.917, p = 0.03) with sensitivity = 100%/specificity = 75%. CVA correlated with delayed laryngeal vestibule closure during swallowing for both the total sample and for incomplete injuries (r s  > 0.6, p < 0.05). Blunted peak flow and prolonged cough phases were associated with disordered laryngeal kinematics and prolonged bolus transit during swallowing (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Reduced CVA, blunted peak flow, and prolonged cough phases reflected PAS and disrupted mechanisms of airway protection in tCSCI survivors, demonstrating promise for VCT as a clinical assessment for post-tCSCI dysphagia., Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:1434-1441, 2023., (© 2022 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Background: Although reduced lingual strength is a confirmed early manifestation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), its functional impact on swallowing remains unclear. We therefore sought to examine relationships between maximum anterior isometric lingual pressure (MAIP) with swallowing safety, swallowing efficiency, and swallowing timing metrics in a large cohort of individuals with ALS., Methods: Ninety-seven participants with ALS completed a standardized videofluoroscopic swallowing examination (VF) and lingual pressure testing (Iowa Oral Performance Instrument). Duplicate and blinded ratings of the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) and Analysis of Swallowing Physiology: Events, Kinematics and Timing (ASPEKT) percent efficiency (%C2-C4 2 ) and timing (laryngeal vestibule closure (LVC) duration: amount of time (milliseconds, msec) between LVC onset and laryngeal vestibule opening; time-to-LVC: hyoid burst to onset of LVC (msec); and swallow reaction time: interval between bolus passing ramus of mandible and onset of LVC (msec)) were performed across bolus trials. Swallowing safety (safe PAS: 1, 2, 4; unsafe PAS: 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8) and efficiency (inefficient: ≥3% worst total residue) were derived. Statistical analyses including descriptives, binary logistic regressions, and Spearman's rho correlations were performed (α = 0.05)., Key Results: Mean MAIP was 36.3 kPa (SD: 18.7). Mean MAIP was higher in those with safe swallowing as compared to those who penetrated (mean difference: 12 kPa) or aspirated (mean difference: 18 kPa). Individuals with efficient swallowing demonstrated higher MAIP than those with inefficient swallowing (mean difference: 11 kPa). Binary logistic regression analyses revealed increasing MAIP was significantly associated with a 1.06 (95% CI: 1.03-1.09) and 1.04 (95% CI: 1.01-1.06) greater odds of safe and efficient swallowing, respectively. No relationships were observed between MAIP and swallow reaction time across all bolus trials. Longer time-to-LVC (5 ml thin liquid: r s  = -0.35, p = 0.002; cup sip thin liquid: r s  = -0.26, p = 0.02; moderately thick liquid: r s  = -0.28, p = 0.01) and prolonged LVC duration (cup sip thin liquid, r s  = -0.34, p = 0.003) were associated with lower MAIP., Conclusions and Inferences: Reduced lingual strength was confirmed in this group of 97 individuals with ALS that was associated with a diminished ability to effectively transport boluses and aide in laryngeal vestibule closure to prevent entry of material into the airway., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: To systematically evaluate differences in swallowing disorder-related manifestations in patients with supraglottic laryngeal cancer, who underwent traditional open partial horizontal laryngectomy (OPHL) and endoscopic supraglottic laryngectomy (ESL)., Methods: A systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis were performed. The CNKI, Wan Fang, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials databases for clinical studies data sources were investigated. The efficiency of recovery, postoperative swallowing function, and complications related to dysphagia were investigated to compare the effects of surgical procedures., Results: The meta-analysis included 8 studies with 281 patients. ESL surgery played a positive role in the recovery of patients. Preservation of the anterior epiglottic space, ventricular band, and arytenoid cartilage without destroying the external framework of the larynx can effectively reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia in patients., Conclusions: ESL has advantages in postoperative recovery and retention of swallowing function in patients with supraglottic laryngeal cancer., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Upper esophageal sphincter opening (UESO), and laryngeal vestibule closure (LVC) are two essential kinematic events whose timings are crucial for adequate bolus clearance and airway protection during swallowing. Their temporal characteristics can be quantified through time-consuming analysis of videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS)., Objectives: We sought to establish a model to predict the odds of penetration or aspiration during swallowing based on 15 temporal factors of UES and laryngeal vestibule kinematics., Methods: Manual temporal measurements and ratings of penetration and aspiration were conducted on a videofluoroscopic dataset of 408 swallows from 99 patients. A generalized estimating equation model was deployed to analyze association between individual factors and the risk of penetration or aspiration., Results: The results indicated that the latencies of laryngeal vestibular events and the time lapse between UESO onset and LVC were highly related to penetration or aspiration. The predictive model incorporating patient demographics and bolus presentation showed that delayed LVC by 0.1 s or delayed LVO by 1% of the swallow duration (average 0.018 s) was associated with a 17.19% and 2.68% increase in odds of airway invasion, respectively., Conclusion: This predictive model provides insight into kinematic factors that underscore the interaction between the intricate timing of laryngeal kinematics and airway protection. Recent investigation in automatic noninvasive or videofluoroscopic detection of laryngeal kinematics would provide clinicians access to objective measurements not commonly quantified in VFSS. Consequently, the temporal and sequential understanding of these kinematics may interpret such measurements to an estimation of the risk of aspiration or penetration which would give rise to rapid computer-assisted dysphagia diagnosis., Level of Evidence: 2 Laryngoscope, 133:521-527, 2023., (© 2022 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Objective: To assess dysphagia outcomes following surgical management of unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI) in adults., Data Sources: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central., Review Methods: A structured literature search was utilized, and a 2-researcher systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Extractable data were pooled, and a quantitative analysis was performed with a random effects model to analyze treatment outcome and complications by procedure., Results: A total of 416 publications were screened and 26 met inclusion criteria. Subjects encompassed 959 patients with UVFI who underwent 916 procedures (n = 547, injection laryngoplasty; n = 357, laryngeal framework surgery; n = 12, laryngeal reinnervation). An overall 615 were identified as having dysphagia as a result of UVFI and had individually extractable outcome data, which served as the basis for a quantitative meta-analysis. In general, dysphagia outcomes after all medialization procedures were strongly positive. Quantitative analysis demonstrated a success rate estimate of 90% (95% CI, 75%-100%) for injection laryngoplasty and 92% (95% CI, 87%-97%) for laryngeal framework surgery. The estimated complication rate was 7% (95% CI, 2%-13%) for injection laryngoplasty and 15% (95% CI, 10%-20%) for laryngeal framework surgery, with minor complications predominating. Although laryngeal reinnervation could not be assessed quantitatively due to low numbers, qualitative analysis demonstrated consistent benefit for a majority of patients for each procedure., Conclusion: Dysphagia due to UVFI can be improved in a majority of patients with surgical procedures intended to improve glottal competence, with a low risk of complications. Injection laryngoplasty and laryngeal framework surgery appear to be efficacious and safe, and laryngeal reinnervation may be a promising new option for select patients., (© 2022 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation.)

The previous studies reported that different volumes of thick liquid had an impact on spatiotemporal characteristics and pharyngeal response of swallowing. However, the bolus flow and swallowing motion pattern were different between thick and thin liquids. The effects of thin bolus volume on pharyngeal swallowing, especially true vocal cord (TVC) closure is still unclear. This study assessed the temporal characteristics when swallowing different volumes of thin liquid to determine the mechanical adaptation using 320-row area detector computed tomography (320-ADCT) and investigated a change of swallowing physiology including laryngeal closure, particularly TVC closure. Fourteen healthy women (28-45 years) underwent 320-ADCT while swallowing of 3, 10, and 20 ml of thin liquid barium in 45° semi-reclining position. Kinematic analysis was performed for each swallow including temporal characteristic, structural movements while swallowing, and maximal cross-sectional area of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening. Bolus head reached to pharynx and esophagus earlier in larger volume significantly, indicating faster bolus transport as volume increased. There were significant effects on swallowing mechanism revealing earlier TVC closure and UES opening with increasing volume. Maximum cross-sectional area of the UES opening was increased to accommodate a larger bolus. Differences in mechanical adaptation through bolus transit and motion of swallowing structures were detected across increasing volumes. These volume-dependent adaptations potentially reduce the risk of aspiration. Understanding the swallowing physiological changes as volume increased is helpful for diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia patients as well as outcomes of swallowing rehabilitation in clinical practice., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Objectives: Transcutaneous stimulation above and below the hyoid is used to assist patients with swallowing disorders (dysphagia) but has shown different effects. Previously, infrahyoid transcutaneous stimulation lowered the hyoid and larynx resisting swallowing movement while suprahyoid stimulation had no effects on hyolaryngeal movement either at rest or during swallowing. More recently, large submental electrodes, covering the submental region, are used for swallowing therapy in combination with resistance therapy. To gain insight into the effects of these electrodes on movement during swallowing, we studied healthy volunteers using videofluoroscopy (VF). We hypothesized that submental electrical stimulation might elevate the hyoid but not the larynx increasing vestibular opening potentially reducing swallowing safety., Materials and Methods: While undergoing VF, seven healthy volunteers (mean age 51, 5 males) swallowed 5 mL of liquid barium on at least ten trials randomly ordered across three conditions: stimulation at rest, swallowing without stimulation, and swallowing with stimulation., Results: During stimulation at rest, significant (one tailed p < 0.05) anterior movement occurred in the hyoid and larynx, no superior hyoid and laryngeal movement and an increase in the distance between the hyoid and larynx. When comparing swallowing with and without submental stimulation, during stimulation volunteers significantly reduced anterior hyoid motion (p = 0.028) and increased hyoid elevation (p = 0.043) without changing anterior or superior laryngeal movement or the distance between the hyoid and larynx., Conclusions: The healthy volunteers immediately corrected for the effects of submental stimulation by reducing hyoid anterior motion and increasing superior hyoid motion without changing laryngeal motion to prevent increased vestibule opening with stimulation. This suggests that healthy volunteers had an internal schema for swallowing movement patterning with feedforward correction for the effects of stimulation., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing (FEESST) is a promising clinical tool to assess airway integrity via the laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR). The current clinical protocol relies on sensory threshold detection, as relatively little is known about the motor response of this sensorimotor airway protective reflex. Here, we focused on characterizing normative LAR motion dynamics in 20 healthy young participants using our prototype high-pressure syringe-based air pulse device and analytic software (VFtrack™) that tracks vocal fold (VF) motion in endoscopic videos. Following device bench testing for air pulse stimulus characterization, we evoked and objectively quantified LAR motion dynamics in response to two suprathreshold air pulse stimuli (40 versus 60 mm Hg), delivered to the arytenoid mucosa through a bronchoscope working channel. The higher air pressures generated by our device permitted an approximate 1 cm endoscope working distance for continual visualization of the bilateral VFs throughout the LAR. Post hoc video analysis identified two main findings: (1) there are variant and invariant subcomponents of the LAR motor response, and (2) only a fraction of suprathreshold stimuli evoked complete glottic closure during the LAR. While the clinical relevance of these findings remains to be determined, we have nonetheless demonstrated untapped potential in the current FEESST protocol. Our ongoing efforts may reveal LAR biomarkers to quantify the severity of laryngeal pathology and change over time with natural disease progression, spontaneous recovery, or in response to intervention. The ultimate goal is to facilitate predictive modeling of patients at high risk for dysphagia-related aspiration pneumonia., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare degenerative neurological disorder in adults. It induces parkinsonian and/or cerebellar syndrome associated with dysautonomia. Pharyngolaryngeal symptoms are common. Our aim is to describe the Pharyngolaryngeal semiology on one hand, and to ascertain whether the presence of these symptoms represents a prognostic factor for MSA on the other., Methods: Thus, we carried out a retrospective, single-centre study, on a cohort receiving care at the centre of reference for MSA. The patients were referred for otorhinolaryngology assessment. The data was collected over the year 2020 with the help of computer software from the university hospital centre (UHC). Firstly, we described the Pharyngolaryngeal semiology specific to MSA by questioning patients, and by the results of nasofibroscopic examinations and swallowing tests. We then used multivariate analysis of variance to describe the prognostic factors of MSA progression (in UMSARS I and II points per month of progression) and survival (number of years between the first symptoms and death)., Results: This study included a hundred and one patients and made it possible to define a Pharyngolaryngeal semiology profile of MSA, which is: a reduction in laryngeal mobility (primarily vocal cord abduction defects), abnormal movements (particularly at rest or when initiating a movement) and a defect in the protection mechanisms of the upper airways. The swallowing difficulties are moderate and the main mechanisms are delayed pharyngeal swallow and/or an oro-pharyngeal transport defect. In the multivariate analyses, the contributing factors are laryngeal anomalies, modification of solid food to fluid food and nutritional complication., Conclusion: ENT specialists should pay close attention to problems in the Pharyngolaryngeal dynamic and then consider a neurological cause. They can also itemize the clinical factors that could have a negative effect on the prognosis of the patient with MSA. Indeed, early detection makes it possible to provide care for respiratory and nutritional complications., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Dysphagia induced by anterior cervical osteophytes (ACOs) is frequently reported in older individuals. Surgical resection of ACOs is considered when conservative treatment fails, but its effectiveness is controversial owing to side effects after surgery. We present the case of a 78-year-old man who complained of progressive dysphagia that started 10 months previously. A videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) showed prominent ACOs along C2-C6, which translocated the upper hypopharynx anteriorly, impinging the lumen and impairing epiglottic folding and laryngeal closure. Aspiration of a soft diet was observed. Despite conservative therapy, the symptoms persisted, and ACO resection surgery was performed. Unexpectedly, the patient's dysphagia worsened immediately post-surgery. A VFSS on postoperative day (POD) 2 showed improvement in epiglottic folding. However, prevertebral soft tissue swelling and dysfunction of opening of the upper esophageal sphincter newly arose. Laryngeal aspiration was observed during 5 cc and a large amount of liquid swallowing trials. The patient was provided a modified diet and rehabilitative dysphagia therapy. A VFSS on PODs 6 and 14 showed a gradual improvement in the prevertebral soft tissue swelling. This report suggests that a serial VFSS is effective for evaluating the different mechanisms of dysphagia and for devising an appropriate treatment plan.

Objectives: To evaluate videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) findings in infants with dysphagia and without prior diagnoses, and to characterize the outcomes and any diagnoses that follow., Methods: A chart review of all pediatric patients who received a VFSS at a tertiary children's hospital from November 2008 to March 2017 was performed., Results: There were 106 infants (57 males and 49 females) with 108 VFSS. VFSS was normal in 18 (16.98%) infants. Regarding airway protection, 50 (47.17%) infants had laryngeal penetration, and 8 (7.55%) had tracheal aspiration; 3 (2.83%, 37.5% of all aspirators) exhibited silent aspiration. Of the 75 infants with minimum 2-year follow-up, 35 (46.67%) had no sequelae of disease and received no diagnoses. The most common diagnoses and pathologic sequelae were gastroesophageal reflux (n = 18, 24.00%), asthma (n = 8, 10.67%), laryngomalacia (n = 6, 8.00%), and tracheomalacia (n = 4, 5.33%), all consistent with United States pediatric data on prevalence. All infants (n = 51) with follow-up for dysphagia had resolution of symptoms within 9 months from VFSS order date., Conclusions: Otherwise healthy infants may show signs of dysphagia and not develop later illness. Parents can thus be counseled on the implications of dysphagia in a previously healthy infant. Our findings provide comparative statistics for future research in pediatric dysphagia.

Laryngeal function is vital to airway protection. Although swallow is mediated by the brainstem, the mechanism underlying the increased risk of dysphagia after cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) is unknown. We hypothesized that: 1 ) loss of descending phrenic drive affects swallow and breathing differently, and 2 ) loss of ascending spinal afferent information alters swallow regulation. We recorded electromyograms (EMGs) from upper airway and chest wall muscles in freely breathing pentobarbital-anesthetized cats and rats. Laryngeal abductor activity during inspiration increased about twofold following C2 lateral hemisection. Ipsilateral to the injury, the crural diaphragm EMG amplitude was reduced during breathing (62 ± 25% change postinjury), but no animal had complete termination of activity; 75% of animals had increased contralateral diaphragm recruitment, but this did not reach significance. During swallow, laryngeal adductor and pharyngeal constrictor muscles increased activity, and diaphragm activity was bilaterally suppressed. This was unexpected because of the ipsilateral-specific response during breathing. Swallow-breathing coordination was disrupted by injury, and more swallows occurred during early expiration. Finally, to determine if the chest wall is a major source of feedback for laryngeal regulation, we performed T1 total transections in rats. As in the C2 lateral hemisection, inspiratory laryngeal recruitment was the first feature noted after injury. In contrast to the C2 lateral hemisection, diaphragmatic drive increased after T1 transection. Overall, we found that SCI alters laryngeal drive during swallow and breathing, and alters swallow-related diaphragm activity. Our results show behavior-specific effects, suggesting that swallow is affected more than breathing is by SCI, and emphasizing the need for additional studies on the effect of ascending afferents from the spinal cord on laryngeal function. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first manuscript to determine the impact of cSCI on laryngeal and swallow function, and to describe a possible mechanism for dysphagia and altered airway protection after injury.

Solitary fibrous tumours (SFT) are rare spindle cell mesenchymal neoplasms, most commonly appearing as well-circumscribed localised lesions arising from the abdominal or pelvic peritoneum. Their presence in the head and neck region is very rare; even more so in the post-cricoid region, with only one case described in the literature to date. The clinical behaviour of SFT may vary from benign to malignant, but only 10-15% of SFT demonstrate local recurrence or distant metastasis. The usual presenting symptoms of dysphagia and weight loss are very vague to give a definite diagnosis, and examination, even under general anaesthesia, combined with biopsies can sometimes be misleading, as in our case. Here, we describe a very challenging case of supraglottic SFT originating from the post-cricoid area. Our 73-year-old patient presented with dysphagia and upon examination a large supraglottic mass was revealed. Biopsies from the mass pointed to malignancy and the patient underwent total laryngectomy. The laryngeal specimen contradicted the biopsy and revealed a rare solitary fibrous tumour with benign features and thus adjuvant treatment was not necessary. Ever since the patient has been attending regular follow-up sessions and remains disease-free 18 months after surgery.

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology and laryngeal involvement is seen in a small percentage of cases. Dysphagia is a common but under-reported symptom. Little is known about how dysphagia typically presents or is managed in the context of this fluctuating disease. We present our case series using an SLT-led model of assessment and management., Methods: A literature search was conducted for any articles that reported both laryngeal sarcoidosis and dysphagia. We then analysed a case series of laryngeal sarcoidosis patients treated at Charing Cross Hospital. We report on multidimensional swallowing evaluation and rehabilitative interventions., Results: Seventeen papers report both laryngeal sarcoidosis and dysphagia, with only one paper giving details on the nature of the dysphagia and the treatment provided. In our case series (n = 7), patients presented with FOIS Scores ranging from 5 to 7 pre-operatively (median = 6). Aspiration (median PAS Score = 6 and Range = 3-8) and pharyngeal residue were common. Sensory issues were also prevalent with most unaware of the extent of their difficulties. Management interventions included safe swallowing advice, compensatory strategies, exercises and close surveillance given their potential for repeated surgical interventions., Conclusion: Laryngeal sarcoidosis is a rare condition. Dysphagia is under-reported and our experience highlights the need for specialist dysphagia intervention. Further research is required to understand dysphagia management requirements in the context of this fluctuating disease process., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Paediatric voice disorders in the normal paediatric population ranges from 6% to 20%. We outline the important features in the initial evaluation of a persistent altered cry or voice in children and highlight the subsequent management currently used by ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons and speech and language therapists (SLTs). It is important to appreciate that there are stark differences between a child and adult larynx due to anatomical and physiological changes during development. The voice history elicited from both child and parent includes birth and developmental history, hearing, early feeding and respiratory function. Red flag symptoms or signs presenting with dysphonia include stridor, dysphagia, failure to thrive and recurrent chest infections. The most likely cause for dysphonia in children presenting to general paediatric practice and primary care will be secondary to laryngitis, hyperfunction and vocal cord nodules, and laryngopharyngeal reflux. Regarding treatment, in most cases a non-surgical option is preferred with voice therapy preferably delivered by a specialist paediatric voice SLT. The maximum effectiveness of behavioural or direct therapy is to children over 7 years, for in excess of 8 weeks with additional rigorous home rehearsal., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Videofluoroscopy and videoendoscopy dramatically changed the evaluation and management of swallowing disorders. Later advancements in techniques for the instrumental evaluation of swallowing were limited by technique and positioning. The advent of 320-row area detector CT solved previous challenges and allowed for the study of swallowing physiology and dysphagia in greater detail. In this summary, we describe the history and evolution of CT technology and describe research and clinical applications for the evaluation of swallowing physiology and pathophysiology., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Only limited and inconsistent information about the effect of mixed consistencies on swallowing are available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the location of the head of the bolus at the swallow onset, the risk of penetration/aspiration, and the severity of post-swallow pharyngeal residue in patients with dysphagia when consuming mixed consistencies. 20 dysphagic patients underwent a Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) testing five different textures: liquid, semisolid, solid, biscuits-with-milk and vegetable-soup. The location of the head of the bolus at the onset of swallowing was rated using a five-points scale ranging from zero (the bolus is behind the tongue) to four (the bolus falls into the laryngeal vestibule), the severity of penetration/aspiration was rated using the Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS), the amount of pharyngeal residue after the swallow was rated using the Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale (YPRSRS) in the vallecula and pyriform sinus. When consuming biscuits-with-milk and liquid the swallow onset occurred more often when the boluses were located in the laryngeal vestibule. Penetration was more frequent with biscuits-with-milk, while aspiration was more frequent with Liquid, followed by biscuits-with-milk and vegetable-soup, Semisolid and Solid. In particular, no differences in penetration and aspiration between liquids and biscuits-with-milk were found as well as among vegetable-soup, semisolid and solid. No significant differences in the amount of food residue after swallowing were demonstrated. The risk of penetration-aspiration for biscuits-with-milk and liquid is similar, while the risk of penetration-aspiration is lower for vegetable-soup than for liquid., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Considering that thickened liquids are frequently used for patients with dysphagia, elucidating their impact on laryngeal dynamics is important. Although studies have investigated the impact of thickened liquids on laryngeal movement velocity among healthy young adults, no study has examined the same among patients with dysphagia. We aimed to elucidate the influence of bolus consistency on laryngeal movement velocity and surface electromyographic activity of the suprahyoid muscles in patients with dysphagia. Participants included 18 male, poststroke patients with dysphagia, whereas patients with true bulbar paralysis, head and neck cancer, neuromuscular disease, or recurrent nerve paralysis were excluded. A video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) was performed while swallowing 3 mL of moderately thick and thin liquids. Quantitative VFSS analysis, including factors such as laryngeal peak velocity, laryngeal mean velocity, laryngeal movement distance, duration of the laryngeal elevation movement, and the temporal location of laryngeal vestibule closure within the laryngeal elevation movement was performed. Muscle activity was evaluated using integrated muscles activity values obtained from electromyography (iEMG) of the suprahyoid muscle during swallowing. VFSS analysis showed that laryngeal peak velocity and laryngeal mean velocity were significantly faster while swallowing moderately thick than while swallowing thin liquids. Laryngeal movement distance was significantly greater while swallowing moderately thick than while swallowing thin liquids. iEMG was significantly higher while swallowing moderately thick liquids than while swallowing thin liquids. Compared to thin liquids, moderately thick induced an increase in laryngeal movement velocity and in suprahyoid muscle activity among patients with dysphagia, a finding consistent with that of a previous study among healthy adults., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose of Review: Accumulated secretions in the pharynx and larynx are associated with dysphagia, aspiration and pneumonia, as well as increased social, health and economic burden. This article reviews developments in the instrumental reporting of pharyngo-laryngeal secretions over the last 2 years., Recent Findings: Although the healthy pharynx and larynx is moist, accumulation of secretions is indicative of abnormality. Using standardized secretion scales allows early identification, quantification of risk in patients, and sensitive monitoring of patients over time. Nonstandardized and subjective secretion reporting is common in recently published research despite the validation of a number of publicly available tools. Research characterizing accumulated secretions has contributed to our understanding of pathophysiology associated with poor secretion management and may inform future treatment studies., Summary: Routine and standardized reporting of secretions is critical for patient assessment and should be reported in the most standardized way possible. Further research investigating the clinical relevance and treatment of accumulated secretions relies on quantitative pharyngolaryngeal secretions reporting., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

When swallowing, a clicking in the throat may uncommonly occur, causing great discomfort and pain. This unpleasant event may lead health professionals to attribute the symptoms to psychogenic aetiology. The case of a 49-year-old female is presented, who reported an audible bilateral clicking in the throat, associated with neck and throat pain when swallowing or turning her neck. From the ENT examination and palpation of the neck during patient swallowing, we located the source of the clicking on the left. However, during palpation from side to side, the patient suffered bilateral pain. Laryngeal computed tomography with a 3D reconstruction showed a short distance between the hyoid bone and the superior part of the thyroid cornua, accompanied by posterior-medially displaced bilateral superior cornua in the thyrohyoid region. The bilateral sensation of throat pain during swallowing or palpation, in combination with our desire to maintain laryngeal symmetry, led us to a two-sided exeresis of the superior thyroid cornua. This resulted in immediate and complete relief of the symptoms. Although it is an uncommon complaint, clicking larynx syndrome should be considered as a differential diagnosis., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest No, (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Aspirations are frequent in children with neurological impairment. They significantly increase the risk for acute and chronic respiratory insufficiencies leading to high morbidity and mortality. Laryngeal sensation deficits have been linked to aspirations in adults and are a suspected cause for dysphagia in children. In a similar neurological circuit as swallowing, laryngeal receptors trigger coughing as a protective airway reflex. The aim of this study was to examine the association between impaired laryngeal sensation (ILS), aspiration, and coughing in neurologically impaired children., Design and Methods: In a retrospective study, 110 children with suspected dysphagia underwent a clinical evaluation of swallowing and a flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) between 2013 and 2019 in the children's university clinic Düsseldorf were analyzed. Laryngeal sensation was tested by the endoscopic touch method. Associations were computed using χ 2 -test., Results: Fifty-four patients (49.1%) had a neurological impairment, 56 patients (50.9%) had no or other comorbidities and served as a control cohort. Children with neurological impairment suffered from ILS significantly more often than children with no or other comorbidities (χ²(1) = 4.63, p = .031). ILS was associated with all other FEES variables but did not correlate with coughing. The symptom coughing correlated with aspiration in the group of neurologically impaired children and in children ILS., Conclusion: ILS is a potential cause of aspirations in children with neurological impairment. Physicians need to pay special attention to the occurrence of coughing in children with neurological impairment and/or ILS since it signals aspirations that took place., (© 2021 The Authors. Pediatric Pulmonology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objectives: Airway reconstruction for laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) encompasses several procedures. Dysphagia is a well-recognised sequela of LTS and airway surgery, however studies have employed mostly non-validated assessments post-operatively in small, heterogenous samples, perpetuating uncertainty around the contributions of LTS and its management to impaired deglutition. Consequently, considerable variation in LTS perioperative nutritional management exists. Our objective was to characterise baseline and post-operative dysphagia with instrumental assessment in an LTS cohort undergoing airway reconstruction and provide a gold-standard management framework for its management., Design, Setting, Participants and Main Outcome Measures: We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult airway reconstruction procedures from 2016-2020 at our quaternary centre. Patient background, LTS aetiology, procedure type, tube feeding duration, length of stay and serial Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) scores were noted. Baseline, post-operative day one and post-stent removal Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow (FEES) generated Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores., Results: Forty-four patients underwent forty-six reconstructions. Baseline incidence of penetration-aspiration was considerably higher than the general population and worsened in the immediate post-operative period, however FOIS and PAS scores generally returned to baseline by discharge. Post-operative FOIS correlated negatively with tracheostomy or airway stent placement. At discharge, 80% tolerated soft or normal diet and 93% were feeding tube independent., Conclusions: We present the largest adult airway reconstruction cohort with instrumental swallow assessment perioperatively. LTS patients have a higher incidence of underlying dysphagia but swallowing tends to return to baseline with appropriate postoperative rehabilitation. Such practice may avoid the complications, costs and morbidity of prolonged nutritional support., (© 2021 The Authors. Clinical Otolaryngology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: Few studies have examined clinical signs of aspiration in infants <51 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA) for whom the laryngeal cough reflex is not fully developed. This retrospective study explored 1) the association between signs of aspiration on a clinical feeding evaluation (CFE) and/or comorbid conditions with aspiration (silent or overt) on a modified barium swallow study (MBS) for infants in this age range, 2) the association between lower respiratory infection (LRI) and aspiration on MBS, and 3) the sensitivity and specificity of detecting aspiration according to signs on CFE and the evaluating speech-language pathologist's (SLP) years of experience., Methods: A retrospective review of charts of patients with MBS completed January 1, 2012-December 31, 2014 was performed. Patients were included if they were <51-weeks PMA at the time of MBS and had a CFE conducted no more than seven days prior to the MBS. Patient age, comorbidities, and MBS and CFE details were collected. The impact of CFE findings, patient age, comorbid syndromes/associations, and aerodigestive diagnoses on the odds of demonstrating silent aspiration (SA) or overt aspiration during MBS with thin liquids was determined using logistic regression, and the sensitivity and specificity of CFE for identifying SA was calculated., Results: Results from 114 patients indicated that 46 (40 %) of the infants had SA and nine (8 %) had overt aspiration on MBS. Notable signs on CFEs were cough (36 %), oxygen desaturations (33 %), and chest congestion (32 %). On multiple regression analysis there was increased odds of SA on MBS with at least one clinical sign on CFE (OR: 24.3, p = 0.02), chronic lung disease, (OR: 18.2, p = 0.01), and airway abnormalities (OR: 2.94, p = 0.01). Cough on CFE was associated with increased odds of overt aspiration on MBS (OR: 5.69, p = 0.04). Neither SA nor overt aspiration were significantly associated with LRI. Sensitivity and specificity of CFE for correctly identifying the presence of SA were 98 % and 15 %, respectively; experience of the SLP was not a contributing factor., Conclusion: Further study is required to determine if specific signs on CFE are predictive of aspiration., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma are among the common head and neck cancers causing considerable swallowing dysfunction. The functional status of the organ (larynx) is an important point of contention while considering the patients for organ preservation protocol., Methodology: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the swallowing status in stage III/IV laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma and its influence on treatment decision. We evaluated all treatment naïve patients who were referred to the swallowing clinic in 2017 (Jan-Dec) for assessment of swallowing prior to treatment initiation., Results: One hundred patients satisfied the eligibility criteria and were included in the study. The site and stage of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer cases were almost equal in number. Their median age was 58 years. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) was done in all patients. 30% of the patients only had swallowing difficulties. Only advanced T-stage (p = 0.04) had an influence on the pretreatment swallowing status. Thirty-seven patients required nasogastric tube (NGT) for feeding. By 2 month post-treatment completion, most patients on NGT could resume oral feeding., Conclusions: Pretreatment swallowing assessment alone did not significantly seem to influence our decisions for organ preservation treatment. However, patients with aspiration could be identified and managed appropriately. Most patients on NGT could resume oral feeds post-treatment completion.

Objective: To investigate the effect of laryngeal elevation training without highly loaded head lifting on swallowing function in patients with dysphagia., Methods: Fifty-seven patients with dysphagia (36 men; mean age, 78.5 ± 11.4 years) were included. All participants performed the swallowing forehead exercise and the chin push-pull manoeuvre for two months. Videoendoscopy to assess swallowing function, the peak expiratory flow test and the hand grip strength test were performed at the initial visit (time 1) and two months after the start of the intervention (time 2). We used the Hyodo score, a scoring method for videoendoscopic assessment, for evaluation of swallowing function., Results: The linear mixed model showed a significant main effect of time (the Hyodo score at time 1 was greater than the score at time 2). The effects of the co-variates were not significant., Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the significant effect of laryngeal elevation training without head lifting on the Hyodo score.

Objective: To investigate the association between aging and the functional aspects of swallowing (laryngeal penetration and laryngotracheal aspiration) in individuals who underwent supracricoid laryngectomy in the late period and without complaints., Methods: A total of 70 patients, 56 (80%) aged >60 years and 14 (20%) <60 years, under outpatient follow-up, after cancer treatment and with no complaints of swallowing, performed functional evaluation using the swallowing videofluoroscopy. Image classification was performed using the penetration-aspiration scale developed by Rosenbek. The χ2 test and logistic regression were applied to associate the age categories to the outcomes (penetration and aspiration)., Results: Patients aged over 60 years had a higher prevalence of penetration (24.29%) and aspiration (48.57%) than patients aged under 60 years. In this sample, aspiration was associated with age. Patients aged over 60 years were more likely to present penetration (27% more) during swallowing than patients under 60 years. Patients aged over 60 years had an approximately four-fold greater probability of laryngotracheal aspiration than patients aged under 60 years., Conclusion: In patients without complaints of swallowing in the late postoperative period of supracricoid laryngectomy, there is a greater probability of laryngotracheal aspiration in elderly aged over 60 years than in individuals under 60 years.

This study focused on the Kuchikara Taberu Balance Chart (KTBC) as a tool for swallowing function evaluation. To clarify the relationship between videoendoscopic (VE) examination of swallowing function and the KTBC, we compared median KTBC scores with and without laryngeal penetration identified by VE. Sixty-five patients with a mean age of 84.3 ± 7.9 years were examined at the Towada City Hospital. The patients were classified into groups based on laryngeal penetration, including 28 patients with and 37 patients without penetration. We found no significant differences in patient backgrounds. The median KTBC score (interquartile range) was 36.5 (31-44.5) in the group with laryngeal penetration and 42 (35-48.5) in the group without penetration, but the scores were not significantly different (level of statistical significance at α = 0.0036 determined by the Bonferroni correction method) when compared with the Mann-Whitney U test (36.5 vs. 42, z = -2.33, p = 0.020). The median respiratory condition (3 vs. 4, z = - 3.23; p < 0.0036), oral preparatory and propulsive phases (3 vs. 4, z = - 2.96; p < 0.0036), and position and endurance (1 vs. 3, z = - 3.25; p < 0.0036) scores were significantly lower in the group with laryngeal penetration. This study revealed a correlation between laryngeal penetration confirmed by VE and KTBC scores. Consequently, respiratory condition, oral preparatory and propulsive phases, and position and endurance may be useful as tools for the assessment of swallowing. In particular, we recommend adding respiratory status to dysphagia screening.

Background: Swallowing after total laryngectomy (TL) is altered and the swallowing related issues are largely underreported. It is important to identify factors that may negatively influence swallowing after TL in order to rehabilitate these patients appropriately., Methods: The study included patients who underwent TL from June 2015 to November 2017 for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal malignancy. Sequential swallowing assessment was done in these patients over time. The assessments were done using the FOIS scale and the PSS-HN normalcy of diet scores and analysed to assess the presence of swallowing related issues, factors influencing swallowing and its recovery over time., Results: Sixty-seven who underwent total laryngectomy (TL) were included in the study. Swallowing assessments were done once in 3 months. Overall there was an improvement in swallowing over time. Both the FOIS (Median score of 3.82 in first to 5.77 in the fifth visit) and the PSS-HN scores (median score of 33.63 at first visit to 63.66 at fifth visit) improved over time. Patients undergoing TL after treatment failure with chemoradiotherapy (p value < 0.001) and those with advanced stage disease (p-value < 0.001) did poorly in terms of swallowing. At the last follow up only 8 patients were dependent on feeding tube; the rest of the patients were able to take food orally., Conclusion: Following total laryngectomy swallowing gradually improves in the first 18 months after surgery. It is essential to identify factors influencing swallowing negatively so that these patients can get appropriate attention to improve swallowing.

The superior laryngeal nerve provides detailed sensory information from the mucosal surfaces of laryngeal structures superior to the vocal folds, including the valleculae. Injury to this nerve results in airway penetration and aspiration. Furthermore, such injuries might have an impact on the function of multiple structures involved in intraoral transport and swallowing due to connections within the brainstem. We sought to determine the effects of a surgical lesion of the superior laryngeal nerve on kinematics of the tongue, hyoid, and epiglottis during swallowing. We implanted radio-opaque markers into five infant pigs under anesthesia. Then we fed milk mixed with contrast agent to the pigs while they were recorded via video fluoroscopy, before and after a surgery to transect the superior laryngeal nerve. We digitized and rated airway protection in 177 swallows. We found that in most animals, swallow duration was shorter after nerve lesion. The hyoid also traveled a shorter distance after lesion. Frequently, individuals reacted differently to the same nerve lesion. We suggest that these differences are due to individual differences in neurological connections. When comparing hyoid kinematics between swallows with successful or failed airway protection, we found more consistency among individuals. This indicates that protecting the airway requires specific sets of kinematic events to occur, regardless of the neurological differences among individuals.

Purpose Dysphagia is one of the most debilitating chronic symptoms experienced by patients who undergo radiation treatment for head and neck cancer. Despite the high prevalence of dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer, we lack understanding of the specific changes in swallowing physiology that arise in the short-term following radiation therapy and how these changes impact the key functions of swallowing safety and efficiency. This study sought to identify pathophysiological mechanisms underlying impairments in swallowing safety and efficiency on thin liquids following (chemo)radiation for oropharyngeal cancer. Method Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies were completed in 12 male patients within 6 months following completion of (chemo)radiation and in 12 healthy male controls. To compare swallowing function and physiology between groups, we analyzed three discrete sips of 20% w/v thin liquid barium per participant. The videofluoroscopic swallowing study recordings were rated for swallowing safety, efficiency, timing parameters, and pixel-based measures of structural area or movement. Results The oropharyngeal cancer cohort displayed significantly higher frequencies of penetration-aspiration, incomplete laryngeal vestibule closure, prolonged time-to-laryngeal vestibule closure, and poor pharyngeal constriction. Incomplete or delayed laryngeal vestibule closure was associated with airway invasion, while poor pharyngeal constriction was associated with pharyngeal residue. Conclusions This study highlights the primary mechanisms behind impaired safety and efficiency of the swallow in patients following (chemo)radiation for oropharyngeal cancer.

Background: Laryngopharyngeal sensory neuropathy (LSN) has been observed to be a contributing factor to swallowing dysfunction in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors., Methods: Retrospective review of 43 tube-dependent HNC survivors was conducted. LSN was assessed with direct palpation of the aryepiglottic fold and by traversing the true vocal folds without eliciting a cough reflex with a flexible laryngoscope., Results: The primary tumor sites were oropharynx (51%), larynx (14%), nasopharynx (4.7%), oral cavity (14%), thyroid (4.7%), unknown primary (9.3%), and esophagus (2.3%). The prevalence of profound LSN was 79.1%. Objective fluoroscopic parameters contributing to swallowing dysfunction were diminished laryngohyoid elevation (100%), pharyngeal weakness (67%), and reduced lateral PES opening (37%)., Conclusions: The prevalence of LSN in HNC survivors with feeding tube-dependent dysphagia is high (79.1%). The data suggest that LSN, in addition to fibrosis, pharyngoesophageal stenosis, and cranial nerve motor deficits contributes to swallowing dysfunction in these patients., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objectives: The aim of the present study was (a) to determine the relationship of videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) findings of the swallowing musculature with the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenic dysphagia and (b) to examine the usefulness of VFSS for diagnosing sarcopenic dysphagia., Methods: The participants were 132 patients (mean age, 80.4 ± 8.8 years). Their skeletal muscle mass, nutritional status and swallowing functions as assessed by VFSS findings were measured. Also, the relationship between the VFSS findings and sarcopenia was examined., Results: Of all the participants, 20 men (mean age, 83.2 ± 6.9 years) and 27 women (mean age, 85.3 ± 6.9 years) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. In men, the amount of laryngeal upward movement (ALUM) was significantly lower and the pharyngeal area was significantly wider in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group. In women, the pharyngeal area was significantly wider in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group. In a logistic regression model, ALUM (odds ratio [OR] 1.135, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.037-1.241, P = .006) and pharyngeal area (OR 0.028, 95% CI 0.001-0.670, P = .027) was a significant independent factor for the presence or absence of sarcopenia., Conclusions: The decline in swallowing function of sarcopenia patients was characterised by lower laryngeal movement and enlargement of the pharyngeal cavity due to decreased skeletal muscle mass and decreased muscle strength. The present study suggested the usefulness of measuring ALUM during swallowing and measuring the pharyngeal area with VFSS as indicators of decreased swallowing muscle function in sarcopenia., (© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Purpose: The timing of laryngeal vestibule closure (LVC) is important for airway protection during swallowing. However, it is unknown whether the extent of LVC contributes to airway protection. The goal of this study is to validate the extent of LVC via a measure called laryngeal constriction ratio (LCR)., Methods: A retrospective analysis of videofluoroscopic swallows was conducted on 38 stroke participants and 40 healthy controls. The LCR was calculated by deriving a size-normalized area of airspace from a 1) maximum closed laryngeal vestibule and a 2) maximum open laryngeal airspace (at rest). Airway invasion severity was derived via the Penetration-Aspiration Scale score., Results: Six hundred forty-nine videofluoroscopic swallows were analyzed. A mixed model analysis revealed a statistically significant mean difference between the normalized laryngeal constriction ratios of healthy individuals (mean (m) = 0.003) versus older dysphagic patients (m = .026) (P = 0.001), quantifying less closure in older patients with dysphagia. Additionally, swallows with airway compromise had a statistically worse LCR when compared to swallows without airway compromise (P = 0.001)., Conclusion: The normalized LCR might be a valid fluoroscopic surrogate measure for LVC and, furthermore, airway compromise during swallowing. By investigating spatial measurements in the laryngeal vestibule during safe and unsafe swallows, the LCR provides a direction for further research to allow for critical examination of the physiology relating to closure degree in order to precisely detect and treat abnormalities during swallowing., Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:E190-E198, 2020., (© 2019 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Background: Compensatory deglutition strategies such as change of posture, swallowing maneuvers, and sensory stimulation have been used by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to alter oral and pharyngeal biodynamics., Objective: To analyze the immediate effect of the dry swallowing maneuver in patients with neurogenic dysphagia., Methodology: The participants were 11 individuals with neurogenic dysphagia who underwent videofluoroscopic swallowing study while performing dry swallow maneuvers for different consistencies. The amount of pre- and post-maneuver residue was measured for the tongue base, vallecula, posterior pharyngeal wall, and pyriform sinus. Two experienced SLPs analyzed the videos blindly as to the timing, pre- or post-maneuver, and information about the videos. In cases of disagreement between the judges, a third judge broke the tie for each structure whose analysis was in disagreement., Results: There was a significant reduction of residue after dry swallowing maneuvers on the tongue and vallecula. There was no significant difference in the amount of pre- and post-maneuver residue for the posterior pharyngeal wall and pyriform sinus. The amount of pre- and post-maneuver residue showed no significant interference from the different consistencies tested., Conclusion: The dry swallowing maneuver showed an immediate improvement effect for the clearance of residues on the base of tongue and vallecula., (© 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the fiberoptic endoscopic findings of oropharyngeal swallowing of distinct food consistencies in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)., Methods: This was a retrospective clinical study of a convenience sample of 20 individuals (13 males and seven females aged 34 to 78 years old) with a diagnosis of ALS and oropharyngeal dysphagia confirmed by clinical and objective evaluation of swallowing, regardless of the bulbar or skeletal type and of the time of neurological diagnosis. The fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) of the liquid (N = 18), thickened liquid (N = 19) and pureed samples (N = 20) in a volume of 5 ml were analyzed. Data related to posterior oral spillage, pharyngeal residues, laryngeal penetration and/or aspiration after swallowing the three food consistencies were analyzed statistically by the Friedman ANOVA test., Results: No impairment of laryngeal sensitivity was found in this population. There was no statistically significant difference in posterior oral spillage, penetration and/or aspiration between food consistencies. There was a statistically significant difference only related to pharyngeal residues of the thickened liquid and pureed consistency., Conclusion: Among the fiberoptic endoscopic findings of swallowing in ALS, only pharyngeal residues had a higher frequency depending on the consistency of food.