Fluoroscopic surrogate for pharyngeal strength: the pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR)

Rebecca Leonard, Catherine J Rees, Peter Belafsky, Jacqui Allen, Rebecca Leonard, Catherine J Rees, Peter Belafsky, Jacqui Allen

Abstract

The pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR), derived directly from videofluoroscopy without the need for manometry, requires validation as a surrogate for pharyngeal strength. A correlation of -0.70 was previously identified between PCR and pharyngeal clearing pressures (PP) on separate fluoroscopic and manometric studies. As PP increases, PCR decreases. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the correlation between PCR and PP in 25 patients undergoing simultaneous fluoroscopy and pharyngeal manometry. The effect of the manometric catheter on PCR was also investigated. The correlation between the PCR and averaged pharyngeal clearing pressures was -0.72 (p<0.001). All patients with a PCR>0.25 had a P <60 mmHg. PCR did not differ significantly as a consequence of the manometric catheter. Results suggest the utility of an objective fluoroscopic measure in assessing pharyngeal strength when manometry may not be available or possible.

© The Author(s) 2009. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PCR is calculated by dividing pharyngeal area at point of maximum constriction during a swallow by the area with a 1-cc bolus held in the oral cavity
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Pharyngeal clearing pressure (PP) is represented on the vertical axis and pharyngeal constriction values (PCR) are displayed on the horizontal axis. All patients with low PP (0.25). All patients with normal pressures also had normal PCRs

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Source: PubMed

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