Cine magnetic resonance imaging with single-shot fast spin echo for evaluation of dysphagia and aspiration

Dysphagia. 2006 Jul;21(3):156-62. doi: 10.1007/s00455-006-9026-7.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of and interest in evaluation of swallowing using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (cine-MRI) in patients with dysphagia and aspiration caused by an abnormal pharyngeal phase of swallow. A cohort of six patients previously treated for head and neck cancer with persistent dysphagia and/or aspiration were evaluated an average of 47 months after treatment. The morphology and mobility of the oral, oropharyngeal, and laryngeal structures were analyzed using cine-MRI using single-shot fast spin echo technology. The qualitative observations were compared with a clinical fiberoptic swallowing evaluation. Swallowing physiology was analyzable for dry (saliva) swallow in all patients. MRI was well-tolerated by all six patients and no clinical aspiration occurred during the MRI. In five of six cases, further information on the cause of dysphagia was obtained using cine-MRI compared with the clinical evaluation alone. In the remaining case, cine-MRI confirmed the clinical evaluation. Cine-MRI using the dry swallow technique is feasible and without risk in patients with clinical aspiration. Cine-MRI is complementary to clinical evaluation of swallowing in patients with an abnormal pharyngeal phase of swallowing resulting from treatment of cancer.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cohort Studies
  • Deglutition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Echo-Planar Imaging*
  • Endoscopy / methods
  • Female
  • Fiber Optic Technology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Respiratory Aspiration / diagnosis*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity