Table 6 - Comparison of diagnostic tests in oropharyngeal dysphagia


From the following article

Oral, pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter motility disorders

Benson T. Massey and Reza Shaker

GI Motility online (2006)

doi:10.1038/gimo19

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ModalityVideofluoroscopyVideoendoscopy
StrengthsIdentify bolus transit abnormalitiesIdentify bolus transit abnormalities
 Detect laryngeal aspirationDetect laryngeal aspiration
 Detect intra- and extraluminal structural abnormalitiesDetect vocal cord dysfunction
 Assess abnormal tongue and hyolaryngeal motionDetect intraluminal structural and mucosal abnormalities
 Identify reduced upper esophageal sphincter opening and Zenker's diverticulumDetect abnormalities of sensation
  Portable; can be done at bedside.
LimitationsRadiation exposureLimited assessment of oral phase
 Not portableLoss of view during pharyngeal phase
 Limited assessment of vocal cord functionNo assessment of UES opening during swallow
 Insensitive to small amounts of residueLimited assessment of extraluminal processes
 Limited assessment of mucosal abnormalitiesUncomfortable/patient intolerance/epistaxis/vasovagal reaction