Radiographic techniques and interpretation of abnormal swallowing in adult and elderly patients

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Abstract
The radiologic evaluation of oropharyngeal dysfunction requires interpretation of observed morphodynamics and bolus movements. This can be facilitated if a simplified biomechanical approach is used to understand basic physiology. Oral stage activity can be described as a lingual delivery pump and pharyngeal stage activity as a glossopharyngeal propulsion pump. Bolus misdirection into the airway is more often due to oral rather than pharyngeal abnormalities and is frequently inconsistent with regard to timing and degree. The video-deglutition examination is still a relatively new diagnostic study and its purpose, indications, and criteria for patient selection should be clearly understood.