The influence of pharyngeal width on post-stroke laryngeal aspiration

Pharyngeal Structure and Dysphagia in Patients with Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders

Pharyngeal muscle changes occur in patients with Parkinson's disease and related disorders (PRD); however, the association between the structural alterations in the pharynx and the symptoms of dysphagia remains unclear. We assessed structural changes and contractile forces by measuring pharyngeal wall thickness and width. We aimed to define the pharyngeal measurements and determine their value as diagnostic tools for dysphagia. The pharyngeal wall thickness (PWT), pharyngeal width at rest (PWR), and shortest pharyngeal width at swallowing (PWS) were measured using lateral neck roentgenograms and videofluoroscopic swallowing study. We compared the PWR and PWT between the PRD and control groups using an independent t-test. The Kendall correlation test was performed on the radiological data of the pharynx (PWT, PWR and PWS), dysphagia scales (Penetration-Aspiration scale [PAS] and Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale [DOSS]), and Hoehn and Yahr scale (HY scale). The PWT was smaller and the PWR greater in the PRD than in the control group (p < 0.05). The dysphagia scales (PAS and DOSS) were correlated with the radiological data (PWT and PWS) and the HY scale (p < 0.05). The HY scale score also correlated with the PWT (p < 0.05). The optimal cutoff points of the PWT and PWR for predicting aspiration were 4.05 and 16.05 mm in the PRD group, respectively. Using the PWT, PWR and PWS, muscle atrophy and contractile strength of the pharynx can be estimated. The combination of the PWT and PWR can be a simple indicator for predicting swallowing disorders at the bedside.

Temporal Characteristics of Penetration and Aspiration in Patients with Severe Dysphagia Associated with Lateral Medullary Syndrome

To assess the severity and timing of penetration and aspiration (PA) of severe dysphagia after lateral medullary syndrome (LMS) and its association with temporal characteristics. We performed videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) in 48 patients with LMS and severe dysphagia and 26 sex- and age-matched healthy subjects. The following temporal measures were compared between groups: velopharyngeal closure duration (VCD); hyoid bone movement duration (HMD); laryngeal vestibular closure duration (LCD); upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening duration (UOD); stage transition duration (STD) and the interval between laryngeal vestibular closure and UES opening (LC-UESop). The association between temporal measures and Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores was analyzed. Differences in timing measures were compared between subgroups (safe swallows, and swallows with PA events during and after the swallow). PAS scores ≥ 3 were seen in 48% of swallows (4% occuring before, 35% occurred during and 61% after the swallow) from the LMS patients. Significantly longer STD and LC-UESop were found in the patients compared to the healthy subjects (p < 0.05). Significant negative correlations with PA severity were found for HMD, LCD, and UOD. Short UOD was the strongest predictor with an area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve of 0.66. UOD was also significantly shorter in cases of PA after the swallow (p < 0.01). Patients with LMS involving severe dysphagia exhibit a high frequency of PA (mostly during and after swallowing). PA events were associated with shorter UOD, HMD, and LCD. Notably, shortened UOD appears to be strongly associated with PA.

Assessment and treatment of neurogenic dysphagia in stroke and Parkinson's disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Neurogenic dysphagia worsens quality of life and prognosis of patients with different neurological disorders. Management of neurogenic dysphagia can be challenging. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current evidence on screening, diagnosis, and treatment of neurogenic dysphagia in stroke and Parkinson's disease, suggesting clues for clinical practice.

RECENT FINDINGS

The pros and cons of diagnostic techniques are discussed in the light of updated evidence. Findings from recent meta-analyses of different treatment approaches, including traditional dysphagia therapy, peripheral and central neurostimulation techniques, and treatment with botulinum toxin, are critically discussed, emphasizing inconsistencies and controversial issues.

SUMMARY

Screening tests and clinical swallow examination should be routinely performed in neurological patients at risk for dysphagia. In patients testing positive for dysphagia, first-line instrumental investigations, represented by fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing or videofluoroscopic swallow study, should be performed to confirm the presence of dysphagia, to assess its severity, and to inform the treatment. Second-line and third-line instrumental methods can be used in selected patients to clarify specific pathophysiological aspects of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Treatment strategies should be personalized, and combination of traditional dysphagia therapy with innovative treatment approaches may increase the chance of restoring effective and safe swallowing.