Laryngotracheal aspiration: analysis of specific neuromuscular factors.

A review of 618 pharyngeal examinations with barium demonstrated laryngotracheal barium in 108 patients. Frame-by-frame analysis of the video studies of these patients suggested the muscle groups responsible for the observed dyscoordination or dysfunction. Review of the literature suggested multiple causes for barium in the airway. Knowledge of specific muscular causes of aspiration should enhance the understanding of neuromuscular dyscoordinations and dysfunctions of the pharynx.