Radiation in Videorecorded Fluoroscopy

Abstract

The evaluation and management of patients with feeding and swallowing disorders frequently requires the use of specialized studies. There are a number of specialized methods currently available for evaluation of swallowing function. They include modified barium studies, ultrasonography, radionuclide imaging or scintigraphy, and endoscopy. Also a number of methods that use magnetic resonance imaging and ultrafast computed tomography have been developed. Swallowing specialists generally agree that modified barium studies with dynamically recorded fluoroscopic images have some advantages over other methods available. The technique defines the nature of a swallowing problem, documents the patient’s response to the deficit, defines factors contributing to aspiration, and identifies therapeutic techniques and modifications that may enhance the swallowing function. Over the past decade, these modified barium studies have become the gold standard for the evaluation of swallowing function.