Dynamic imaging of swallowing in a seated position using open-configuration MRI.

PURPOSE

To assess the feasibility of dynamic MRI of swallowing in a seated position using an open-configuration MRI scanner, and to compare its capacity for motion analysis around the pharyngeal wall with that of videofluorography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six healthy individuals (four women and two men, mean age = 31.4 +/- 7.5 years) were examined with an open-configuration MRI system using a fast spoiled gradient-recalled echo (SPGR) sequence. Dynamic imaging was performed while the subjects were in a seated position after they swallowed oral contrast medium from a cup. An oral and maxillofacial radiologist measured the motion of six structures: the hyoid bone (HB), larynx (LX), upper oropharynx (UOP), lower oropharynx (LOP), pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) behind the vocal folds, and upper esophagus (ESO). The measured motions were compared with reported values from videofluorography-based observations.

RESULTS

Open-configuration MRI depicted the anatomic structures related to swallowing (lip, tongue, soft palate, mandible, pharynx, HB, LX, and PES), and the course of the mylohyoid muscle (MM). The vertical and anteroposterior displacements of these structures did not differ significantly from those measured by videofluorography.

CONCLUSION

Dynamic imaging of swallowing using open-configuration MRI provides image information comparable to that obtained from videofluorography.