Moving Forward with Dysphagia Care: Implementing Strategies during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond.

Growing numbers of SARS-CoV-2 cases coupled with limited understanding of transmissibility and virulence, have challenged the current workflow and clinical care pathways for the dysphagia provider. At the same time, the need for non-COVID-19-related dysphagia care persists. Increased awareness of asymptomatic virus carriers and variable expression of the disease have also focused attention to appropriate patient care in the context of protection for the healthcare workforce. The objective of this review was to create a clinical algorithm and reference for dysphagia clinicians across clinical settings to minimize spread of COVID-19 cases while providing optimal care to patients suffering from swallowing disorders. Every practitioner and healthcare system will likely have different constraints or preferences leading to the utilization of one technique over another. Knowledge about this pandemic increases every day, but the algorithms provided here will help in considering the best options for proceeding with safe and effective dysphagia care in this new era.

The Relationship Between Hiatal Hernia and Cricopharyngeus Muscle Dysfunction.

Although the precise etiology of cricopharyngeus muscle (CPM) dysfunction (CPMD) is uncertain, many have hypothesized that a hypertrophied CPM may develop as a protective compensation against gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the association between CPMD and the presence of hiatal hernia (HH) in an attempt to elucidate the potential etiology of CPMD. The charts of individuals who underwent video fluoroscopic esophagrams between 01/01/14 and 10/30/16 were reviewed from an electronic database. A group of 50 subjects with reported HH were identified and age- and gender-matched to an individual without HH. The prevalence of CPMD was compared between groups. The mean (± SD) age of the HH cohort was 64 (± 13.4) years and 64 (± 12.8) years for the group without HH (p > 0.05). Thirty-eight percent was male. The frequency of CPMD in the HH group was 78% versus 58% in the non-HH group (p < 0.05). Individuals with a HH were 2.57 times more likely to have evidence of CPMD (95% CI 1.07- 6.15). Although these data suggest an association between GERD and CPMD, further research is required before a causal relationship can be presumed.

Total laryngectomy for management of chronic aspiration pneumonia in a myopathic dog.

A 5-month-old female pit bull terrier dog evaluated for ataxia, progressive regurgitation, and recurrent aspiration pneumonia had markedly elevated creatine kinase activity, non-inflammatory generalized myopathy, and severe esophageal dysmotility. A narrow-field total laryngectomy was performed. The dog is doing well 30 months after surgery, and no longer has episodes of aspiration pneumonia, despite intermittent regurgitation. This case represents the first application of total laryngectomy for the prevention of chronic recurrent aspiration pneumonia in the dog.

Laryngectomie totale pour la gestion d'une pneumonie par aspiration chronique chez un chien myopathique. Une chienne Pit Bull Terrier âgée de 5 mois évaluée pour de l'ataxie, de la régurgitation progressive et une pneumonie par aspiration récurrente présentait une activité de la créatine kinase particulièrement élevée, une myopathie généralisée non inflammatoire et un trouble de motilité de l'œsophage grave. Une laryngectomie totale à champ étroit a été réalisée. La chienne se porte bien 30 mois après la chirurgie et n'a plus d'épisodes de pneumonie par aspiration, malgré une régurgitation intermittente. Ce cas représente la première application d'une laryngectomie totale pour la prévention d'une pneumonie par aspiration chronique récurrente chez un chien.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

The Ability of the 10-Item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) to Predict Aspiration Risk in Persons With Dysphagia.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is common and costly. The ability of patient symptoms to predict objective swallowing dysfunction is uncertain. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) to screen for aspiration risk in patients with dysphagia. METHODS: Data from individuals with dysphagia undergoing a videofluoroscopic swallow study between January 2012 and July 2013 were abstracted from a clinical database. Data included the EAT-10, Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS), total pharyngeal transit (TPT) time, and underlying diagnoses. Bivariate linear correlation analysis, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: The mean age of the entire cohort (N=360) was 64.40 (±14.75) years. Forty-six percent were female. The mean EAT-10 was 16.08 (±10.25) for nonaspirators and 23.16 (±10.88) for aspirators (P<.0001). There was a linear correlation between the total EAT-10 score and the PAS (r=0.273, P<.001). Sensitivity and specificity of an EAT-10>15 in predicting aspiration were 71% and 53%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Subjective dysphagia symptoms as documented with the EAT-10 can predict aspiration risk. A linear correlation exists between the EAT-10 and aspiration events (PAS) and aspiration risk (TPT time). Persons with an EAT-10>15 are 2.2 times more likely to aspirate (95% confidence interval, 1.3907-3.6245). The sensitivity of an EAT-10>15 is 71%.

Objective Fluoroscopic Outcomes After Endoscopic Staple Versus Laser Zenker's Diverticulotomy.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic Zenker's diverticulotomy (EZD) is typically performed via stapling (endoscopic staple diverticulotomy; ESD) or CO2 laser (endoscopic laser diverticulotomy; ELD). Conflicting reports exist on which approach provides optimal outcomes. This investigation compared objective fluoroscopic data between ESD and ELD. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing primary EZD at a tertiary center between January 1, 2014 and January 10, 2022 was performed. Patients undergoing ESD and ELD were matched by preoperative diverticulum size. Primary outcome measures were postoperative diverticulum size and change in diverticulum size from pre- to postoperative swallowing fluoroscopy. Secondary outcome measures were the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) score, penetration aspiration scale (PAS), pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR), and pharyngoesophageal segment opening (PESo). RESULTS: Thirteen matched pairs with complete fluoroscopic data were identified. The mean (±SD) age of the cohort was 74.0 (±8.5) years. There were no age or gender differences between groups (p > 0.05). The mean pre-operative ZD size was 1.98 (±0.69) cm for ESD and 1.97 (±0.72) cm for ELD; the mean postoperative size was 0.84 (±0.62) cm for ESD and 0.34 (±0.27) cm for ELD (p < 0.05). Mean diverticulum size improved by 1.14 (±0.59) cm after ESD and 1.62 (±0.59) cm after ELD (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in postoperative EAT-10, PAS, PCR, or PESo between groups. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that endoscopic laser Zenker's diverticulotomy results in a greater improvement in diverticulum size than endoscopic staple diverticulotomy. The data did not suggest a difference in postoperative dysphagia symptom scores or other objective fluoroscopic parameters between staple and laser diverticulotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCES: Level 3 Laryngoscope, 133:3057-3060, 2023.

Expert Consensus Statement: Management of Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an expert consensus statement (ECS) on the management of dysphagia in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients to address controversies and offer opportunities for quality improvement. Dysphagia in HNC was defined as swallowing impairment in patients with cancers of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, or hypopharynx. METHODS: Development group members with expertise in dysphagia followed established guidelines for developing ECS. A professional search strategist systematically reviewed the literature, and the best available evidence was used to compose consensus statements targeted at providers managing dysphagia in adult HNC populations. The development group prioritized topics where there was significant practice variation and topics that would improve the quality of HNC patient care if consensus were possible. RESULTS: The development group identified 60 candidate consensus statements, based on 75 initial proposed topics and questions, that focused on addressing the following high yield topics: (1) risk factors, (2) screening, (3) evaluation, (4) prevention, (5) interventions, and (6) surveillance. After 2 iterations of the Delphi survey and the removal of duplicative statements, 48 statements met the standardized definition for consensus; 12 statements were designated as no consensus. CONCLUSION: Expert consensus was achieved for 48 statements pertaining to risk factors, screening, evaluation, prevention, intervention, and surveillance for dysphagia in HNC patients. Clinicians can use these statements to improve quality of care, inform policy and protocols, and appreciate areas where there is no consensus. Future research, ideally randomized controlled trials, is warranted to address additional controversies related to dysphagia in HNC patients.

Predictors of Aspiration Pneumonia and Mortality in Patients with Dysphagia.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To identify risk factors for pneumonia incidence in patients with dysphagia undergoing a videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) in an outpatient tertiary-care center. STUDY DESIGN: Historical cohort study. METHODS: All individuals undergoing a VFSS between 10/02/13 and 07/30/15 were identified and followed historically for 2 years. Demographic information, medical history, and fluoroscopic data were collected. The 2-year incidence of pneumonia was obtained from the medical records and telephone interview. The incidence of pneumonia and death were calculated and risk factors for pneumonia and mortality were ascertained. RESULTS: 689 patients were followed for 2 years. The mean age (±standard deviation) of the cohort was 65 (±15.5) years. 49% (338/689) were female. The most common causes of dysphagia were cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (270/689), head and neck cancer (175/689), and neurodegenerative disease (56/689). The incidence of pneumonia was 22% (153/689). The incidence of death was 11%. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder [COPD] (odds ratio [OR] = 2.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-4.19), hypertension (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.23-2.73), tracheotomy status (OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.09-7.99), and vallecular residue (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.24-2.85) were all significantly associated with an elevated risk of pneumonia. Kidney disease (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.02-9.9), COPD (OR = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.65-6.49), vallecular residue (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.35-4.1), male gender (OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.25-3.92), and low body mass index (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.06-1.19) were independent adjusted risk factors for death. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of aspiration pneumonia (22%) and death (11%) within 2-years of a VFSS was high. The greatest adjusted risk factors for incident pneumonia were tracheotomy (OR = 3.0), COPD (OR = 2.4) and vallecular residue (OR = 1.9). The greatest adjusted risk factors for death were COPD (OR = 3.3), vallecular residue (OR = 2.3), and male gender (OR = 2.2). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 132:1172-1176, 2022.

Autologous Muscle-Derived Cell Therapy for Swallowing Impairment in Patients Following Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the safety and potential efficacy of autologous muscle-derived cells (AMDCs) for the treatment of swallowing impairment following treatment for oropharynx cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, phase I, open label, clinical trial. METHODS: Oropharynx cancer survivors disease free ≥2 years post chemoradiation were recruited. All patients had swallowing impairment but were not feeding tube dependent (Functional Oral Intake Scale [FOIS] ≥ 5). Muscle tissue (50-250 mg) was harvested from the vastus lateralis and 150 × 106 AMDCs were prepared (Cook MyoSite Inc., Pittsburgh, PA). The cells were injected into four sites throughout the intrinsic tongue musculature. Participants were followed for 24 months. The primary outcome measure was safety. Secondary endpoints included objective measures on swallowing fluoroscopy, oral and pharyngeal pressure, and changes in patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: Ten individuals were enrolled. 100% (10/10) were male. The mean age of the cohort was 65 (±8.87) years. No serious adverse event occurred. Mean tongue pressure increased significantly from 26.3 (±11.1) to 31.8 (±9.5) kPa (P = .017). The mean penetration-aspiration scale did not significantly change from 5.6 (±2.1) to 6.8 (±1.8), and the mean FOIS did not significantly change from 5.4 (±0.5) to 4.6 (±0.7). The incidence of pneumonia was 30% (3/10) and only 10% (1/10) experienced deterioration in swallowing function throughout 2 years of follow-up. The mean eating assessment tool (EAT-10) did not significantly change from 24.1 (±5.57) to 21.3 (±6.3) (P = .12). CONCLUSION: Results of this phase I clinical trial demonstrate that injection of 150 × 106 AMDCs into the tongue is safe and may improve tongue strength, which is durable at 2 years. A blinded placebo-controlled trial is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 132:523-527, 2022.

Endoscopic visualization for tracheoesophageal puncture tract sizing.

BACKGROUND: Accurate tracheoesophageal prosthesis (TEP) size is essential for optimal functioning. Current sizing techniques do not afford direct visualization. The clinical utility of direct visualization with unsedated transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) to improve TEP sizing accuracy has not been established. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this investigation was to determine if endoscopic visualization with TNE during TEP fitting improves sizing accuracy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants undergoing secondary TEP placement had their TEP sized without visualization and with visualization during TNE. The effect of endoscopic visualization on TEP sizing was assessed. RESULTS: The mean age (SD) of the cohort (N = 15) was 61.20 (±10.19) years. The percent disagreement between non-visualized and endoscopic-visualized puncture tract measurement was 60%. The mean difference in puncture tract length with visualization compared to without visualization was 1.75 mm (±1.91). Discordance between non-visualized and endoscopic-visualized puncture tract length was worse for persons with a history of radiation (66.7%) than without radiation (33.3%) (p < .05). The overall test agreement between endoscopic and non-endoscopic sizing techniques was moderate (Cohen's kappa coefficient = 0.254; (p < .05). CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: The percent disagreement between non-visualized and endoscopic-visualized TEP sizing is high (60%). The data suggest that endoscopic visualization with TNE improves sizing accuracy during TEP placement.

Volitional control of the upper esophageal sphincter with high-resolution manometry driven biofeedback.

INTRODUCTION: Dysfunction of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is associated with swallow dysfunction and globus pharyngeus. Although volitional augmentation of the UES has been previously documented, the ability of individuals to control UES pressure with high-resolution manometry (HRM) driven biofeedback has not been assessed. PURPOSE: To evaluate the ability of patient driven HRM biofeedback to control UES basal pressure. METHODS: HRM data was collected from 10 patients undergoing esophageal manometry. Participants were trained on real-time HRM-driven biofeedback to both elevate and reduce UES pressure. Measures of baseline UES minimum, mean and maximum pressures (mmHg) were compared to biofeedback-driven volitional increases and decreases in UES pressures. Pre- and post-biofeedback data were compared with paired sample T-tests. RESULTS: The mean age (± standard deviation) of the cohort was 68 (±12.7) years. Sixty percent (6/10) were female. The mean UES baseline pressure increased from 30.1 (±15.3) mmHg to 44.8 (±25.03) mmHg (P = .02) with biofeedback-driven UES augmentation (P < .05). Maximum UES pressures were also increased from 63.84 (±24.1) mmHg to 152.4 (±123.7) (P = .04). Although some individuals were able to successfully decrease basal UES tone with the HRM biofeedback, no statistically significant group differences were observed (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Volitional control of UES pressure is possible with HRM-driven biofeedback. Patients vary in their ability to intentionally control UES pressure and some may require further training aimed at lowering UES pressure with HRM-guided biofeedback. These data may have significant implications for the future treatment of UES disorders and warrant further investigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Validation of the PILL-5: A 5-Item Patient Reported Outcome Measure for Pill Dysphagia.

Objectives: Pill dysphagia is common and costly with a significant risk of pill retention, caustic injury, and poor medication compliance. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the validity and reliability of the PILL-5, a self-administered patient reported outcome measure (PROM) to quantify the degree of pill (tablet and capsule) dysphagia. The PILL-5 is a 5-item questionnaire with a maximum symptom score of 20. Methods: The PILL-5 was administered to 190 patients with dysphagia referred for videofluoroscopic esophagography (VFE). Construct validity was assessed by comparing PILL-5 composite scores to delayed barium tablet transit on VFE. Normative data was obtained by administering the instrument to a cohort of healthy community based volunteers. Internal consistency was assessed with the Cronbach alpha. Test/retest reliability was determined by administering the instrument to the same cohort of patients at two time points. Results: The mean PILL-5 was 5.6 (±4.9) for persons with dysphagia and 1.6 (±2.7) for healthy volunteers (p < 0.001). The internal consistency of the instrument was high (Cronbach alpha = 0.85). The mean PILL-5 was 4.3 (±4.1) for patients with normal transit and 7.6 (±5.3) for patients with delayed barium tablet transit on esophagography, indicating excellent criterion based validity (p < 0.001). Reproducibility was high with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.83 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Healthy individuals report some degree of swallowing difficulty with pills. Normative data suggest that a PILL-5 > 6 is abnormal (mean + 2 SD). The instrument demonstrated excellent criterion based validity and reliability. The PILL-5 is the first validated patient reported outcome measure for pill dysphagia.

Intraoperative ultrasound-guided retrieval of an extraluminal pharyngoesophageal foreign body.

Pharyngoesophageal foreign bodies (FBs) are common otolaryngologic problems, but challenging cases cause significant patient and surgeon frustration. Extraluminal migration of an FB from the pharynx or esophagus is rare and usually necessitates external neck exploration. Approaching these complicated FBs endoscopically may avoid undue surgical morbidity. We present a case using real-time, intraoperative ultrasound (US) guidance for safe retrieval of a migrated submucosal FB. Intraoperative US is a widely available, powerful technology that can aid in the retrieval of difficult pharyngoesophageal FBs. In appropriate cases, this strategy may circumvent transcervical approaches and their associated risks.

Improved symptomatic, functional, and fluoroscopic outcomes following serial "series of three" double-balloon dilation for cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (CPMD) is a common cause of dysphagia. We employ a progressive series of three double-balloon dilations separated by 4-6 weeks between procedures as a primary treatment option. The purpose of this study was to evaluate subjective, functional and objective improvement in swallowing after three serial dilations for CPMD. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients between June 1, 2014, and June 30, 2016, who underwent a series of three double-balloon dilations for CPMD. Pre- and post-dilation Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), pharyngeal constriction ratio, pharyngeal area, and pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) opening were compared. RESULTS: Seventeen patients with CPMD underwent serial double-balloon dilation procedures separated by one month. Mean age of the cohort was 73.5 (SD ± 13.3) years, and 53% were female. The mean EAT-10 improved from 24.7 (SD ± 7.8) to 15.9 (SD ± 10.2) [p = 0.0021]. Mean FOIS improved from 5.4 (SD ± 1.4) pre- to 6.3 (SD ± 0.9) post-treatment (p = 0.017). Mean UES opening increased from 1.05 (SD ± 0.34) cm to 1.48 (SD ± 0.41) cm (p = 0.0003) in the anteroposterior fluoroscopic view and from 0.58 (SD ± 0.18) to 0.76 (SD ± 0.30) cm (p = 0.018) in the lateral view. Pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR), a surrogate measure of pharyngeal strength, improved from 0.49 (SD ± 0.37) to 0.24 (SD ± 0.15) (p = 0.015), however pharyngeal area (PA) was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: A progressive series of three double-balloon dilations for cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction resulted in improved patient reported dysphagia symptom scores and objective fluoroscopic swallowing parameters.

The effects of aspirated thickened water on survival and pulmonary injury in a rabbit model.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Liquid thickeners are one of the most frequently utilized treatment strategies for persons with oropharyngeal swallowing dysfunction. The effect of commercially available thickeners on lung injury is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of aspiration of water alone, xanthan gum (XG)-thickened water, and cornstarch (CS)-thickened water on survival and lung morphology in a rabbit model. STUDY DESIGN: Animal model. Prospective small animal clinical trial. METHODS: Adult New Zealand White rabbits (n = 24) were divided into three groups of eight rabbits. The groups underwent 3 consecutive days of 1.5 mL/kg intratracheal instillation of water (n = 8), XG-thickened water (n = 8), and CS-thickened water (n = 8). The animals were euthanized on day 4, and survival and pulmonary histopathology were compared between groups. RESULTS: In all, 12.5% of rabbits (n = 8) instilled with CS-thickened water survived until the endpoint of the study (day 4). All animals instilled with water (n = 8) or XG-thickened water (n = 8) survived. A mild increase in intra-alveolar hemorrhage was observed for the animals instilled with CS-thickened water compared to the other groups (P < .05). In the groups that survived to the endpoint of the study, instillation of water thickened with XG resulted in greater pulmonary inflammation, pulmonary interstitial congestion, and alveolar edema than water alone (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that 3 consecutive days of 1.5 mg/kg of aspirated CS-thickened water are fatal, and that XG-thickened water is more injurious than aspirated water alone. Additional research is necessary to further delineate the dangers of aspirated thickened liquids. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA. Laryngoscope, 128:327-331, 2018.

Normal fluoroscopic appearance status post-successful endoscopic Zenker diverticulotomy.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic Zenker diverticulotomy (EZD) is a primary treatment for Zenker diverticulum (ZD). During EZD, the diverticulum is not excised, and interpretation of postoperative videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) is challenging. The purpose of this investigation was to describe normal VFSS findings status post-successful EZD. METHODS: The charts of all patients with ZD treated at our center between October 01, 2011, and May 30, 2014, were abstracted. Outcome measures included recidivistic diverticulum size, Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), penetration aspiration scale, pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR), and pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) opening. RESULTS: Twenty patients met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 70.5 (± 13) years. Seventy percent of the patients were male. Mean EAT-10 decreased 72.1% from 17.9 (± 8.2) to 5 (± 6.9) (P < 0.0001), and diverticulum size decreased 50.9% from 1.96 cm (± 0.68) to 0.96 cm (± 0.57) (P < 0.001). The PCR improved 33.6% from 0.17 (± 0.13) to 0.11 (± 0.11) (P < 0.001). Mean PES opening increased 61.6% from 0.53 cm (± 0.3544) to 0.86 cm (± 0.29) in lateral view and increased 40.0% from 1.00 cm (± 0.54) to 1.39 cm (± 0.46) in anteroposterior view (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: VFSS following successful EZD demonstrates an approximate 50% reduction in diverticulum size and significant improvement in PCR and PES opening. These data provide a framework for the expected fluoroscopic outcomes of successful diverticulotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1762-1766, 2017.

Novel murine xenograft model for the evaluation of stem cell therapy for profound dysphagia.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Dysphagia is common and costly. Treatments are limited and innovative therapies are required. The tongue is essential for safe, effective swallowing and is a natural target for regenerative therapy. Muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) hold potential to restore dynamic function, and their application in the damaged tongue is appealing. We examined the safety and efficacy of human MDSC implantation into a novel mouse tongue model. STUDY DESIGN: Animal study. METHODS: Adult immune-deficient mice were randomized to surgical (hemiglossectomy) and nonsurgical groups. Animals underwent lingual injection of human MDSCs or saline (control). Groups were followed for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was MDSC survival measured by an in vivo imaging system (IVIS). Secondary outcomes included animal survival and weight. Comparisons were made using a Mann-Whitney U test with an α of .05. RESULTS: Human MDSCs survived to the endpoint demonstrating 132% ± 465% and 15% ± 11% bioluminescence by IVIS at 12 weeks in hemiglossectomy and nonsurgical groups, respectively. All but one animal (hemiglossectomy with saline injection) survived to the study endpoint. Mean weight increased from baseline in all groups, with the greatest change observed in hemiglossectomy mice with MDSC injection (baseline 24.5 g ± 3.9 g; delta 5.9 g ± 4.6 g), exceeding the weight gain seen in surgical control mice (baseline 24.9 g ± 4.2 g, delta 2.7 g ± 1.4 g) (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: MDSCs exhibited over 100% survival at 3 months when injected into an immune-deficient hemiglossectomy mouse model. Tongue-injured animals injected with MDSCs exhibited superior weight gain after hemiglossectomy than control animals (P < .05). These data support further investigation into the use of autologous MDSCs as a potential treatment for dysphagia secondary to tongue weakness and fibrosis LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 127:E359-E363, 2017.

Subjective Assessment of Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies.

Objective The videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) is the gold standard diagnostic tool to evaluate oropharyngeal dysphagia. Although objective measurements on VFSS have been described, there is no universal method of analysis, and the majority of clinicians use subjective interpretation alone. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the accuracy of subjective VFSS analysis. Study Design Double-blinded experiment. Setting Tertiary care laryngology center. Subjects and Methods Seventy-six de-identified videos from VFSS evaluations of patients with dysphagia were presented to blinded, experienced speech-language pathologists and laryngologists individually. Evaluators rated each video as normal or abnormal for hyoid elevation (HE), pharyngeal area (PA), pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR), and pharyngoesophageal segment opening (PESo). A blinded investigator assessed evaluators' inter- and intrarater agreement and compared their responses to objectively measured results for these parameters to examine accuracy. Results Evaluators correctly classified only 61.5% of VFSS videos as normal or abnormal, with moderate interrater agreement (κ = 0.48, P < .0001). Intrarater agreement was highly variable (κ = 0.43-0.83). Accuracy was greatest for PCR (71.6%), with poorer performance for HE (61.3%), PESo (59.2%), and PA (45.3%). Interrater agreement was moderate for all parameters, with greater concordance for PCR (κ = 0.59) and PESo (κ = 0.54) and less for HE (κ = 0.40) and PA (κ = 0.44). Evaluators unanimously agreed on a correct interpretation of a VFSS only 28% of the time. Conclusion Subjective assessment of VFSS parameters is inconsistently accurate when compared with objective measurements, with accuracy ratings ranging from 45.3% to 71.6% for specific parameters. Inter- and intrarater reliability for subjective assessment was moderate and highly variable.

The effect of aspirated barium sulfate, iodixanol, and diatrizoic acid on survival and lung injury in a lagomorph model.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Contrast agents are an integral component of the video fluoroscopic swallow study. Agents commonly used include barium sulfate (E-Z Paque), iodixanol (Visipaque), and diatrizoic acid (Gastrografin). Barium is water insoluble, whereas iodixanol and diatrizoic acid are water-soluble iodine-based agents. The detrimental effect of these agents on the lungs has not been systematically evaluated. Our aim was to evaluate and compare the effects of aspirated barium, iodixanol, and diatrizoic acid on pulmonary injury in a lagomorph model. STUDY DESIGN: Animal model. METHODS: Twenty adult male New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four groups (n = 5). Group 1 received 3 mL of barium sulfate injected into the trachea for 3 consecutive days. Group 2 received 3 mL of iodixanol injected into the trachea for 3 consecutive days. Group 3 received 3 mL of diatrizoic acid injected into the trachea for 3 consecutive days. A control group received 3 mL of air injected into the trachea under an identical protocol. All animals were euthanized on day 4, and the lung and trachea were harvested for blinded histopathologic analysis. The primary outcome measure was survival. The secondary endpoint was a blinded, histologic grading system of lung injury. RESULTS: Two animals in the barium group, one in the diatrizoic acid group, and 0 animals in the iodixanol and control groups died. The overall lung injury score for the barium (60.60 ± 6.34) and iodixanol groups (52.30 ± 3.11) were significantly higher (worse) than the diatrizoic acid (49.60 ± 7.64) and control groups (37.80 ± 3.56) (P < .05). Diatrizoic acid produced the least amount of lung injury. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that 3 mL of aspirated barium sulfate (E-Z Paque) over 3 consecutive days causes more severe lung injury in a lagomorph model than 3 mL of aspirated iodixanol (Visipaque) and diatrizoic acid (Gastrografin). Diatrizoic acid caused the least histologic evidence of lung injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 127:E148-E152, 2017.

Outcomes of laryngohyoid suspension techniques in an ovine model of profound oropharyngeal dysphagia.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the efficacy of various techniques of laryngohyoid suspension in the elimination of aspiration utilizing a cadaveric ovine model of profound oropharyngeal dysphagia. STUDY DESIGN: Animal study. METHODS: The head and neck of a Dorper cross ewe was placed in the lateral fluoroscopic view. Five conditions were tested: baseline, thyroid cartilage to hyoid approximation (THA), thyroid cartilage to hyoid to mandible (laryngohyoid) suspension (LHS), LHS with cricopharyngeus muscle myotomy (LHS-CPM), and cricopharyngeus muscle myotomy (CPM) alone. Five 20-mL trials of barium sulfate were delivered into the oropharynx under fluoroscopy for each condition. Outcome measures included the penetration aspiration scale (PAS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Swallow Safety Scale (NIH-SSS). RESULTS: Median baseline PAS and NIH-SSS scores were 8 and 6, respectively, indicating severe impairment. THA scores were not improved from baseline. LHS alone reduced the PAS to 1 (P = .025) and NIH-SSS to 2 (P = .025) from baseline. LHS-CPM reduced the PAS to 1 (P = .025) and NIH-SSS to 0 (P = .025) from baseline. CPM alone did not improve scores. LHS-CPM displayed improved NIH-SSS over LHS alone (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: This cadaveric model represents end-stage profound oropharyngeal dysphagia such as what could result from severe neurological insult. CPM alone failed to improve fluoroscopic outcomes in this model. Thyrohyoid approximation also failed to improve outcomes. LHS significantly improved both PAS and NIH-SSS. The addition of CPM to LHS resulted in improvement over suspension alone. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA. Laryngoscope, 127:E422-E427, 2017.

Effect of Vocal Fold Medialization on Dysphagia in Patients with Unilateral Vocal Fold Immobility.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of vocal fold medialization (VFM) on vocal improvement in persons with unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI) is well established. The effect of VFM on the symptom of dysphagia is uncertain. The purpose of this study is to evaluate dysphagia symptoms in patients with UVFI pre- and post-VFM. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Academic tertiary care medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The charts of 44 persons with UVFI who underwent VFM between June 1, 2013, and December 31, 2014, were abstracted from a prospectively maintained database at the University of California, Davis, Voice and Swallowing Center. Patient demographics, indications, and type of surgical procedure were recorded. Self-reported swallowing impairment was assessed with the validated 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) before and after surgery. A paired samples t test was used to compare pre- and postmedialization EAT-10 scores. RESULTS: Forty-four patients met criteria and underwent either vocal fold injection (73%) or thyroplasty (27%). Etiologies of vocal fold paralysis were iatrogenic (55%), idiopathic (29%), benign or malignant neoplastic (9%), traumatic (5%), or related to the late effects of radiation (2%). EAT-10 (mean ± SD) scores improved from 12.2 ± 11.1 to 7.7 ± 7.2 after medialization (P < .01) with a follow-up of 119 ± 65 days. CONCLUSION: Patients with UVFI suffer from dysphagia and report significant improvement in swallowing symptoms following VFM. The symptomatic improvement appears to be durable over time.