Correlation between the radiologic study of deglutition and the clinical picture in systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)

Fifty-one patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) were studied by means of videofluoroscopy in order to evaluate the abnormalities in the oropharyngeal and esophageal phases of deglutition and to correlate the radiological patterns with the clinical features of the disease. Thirteen patients (25.5%) exhibited swallowing disorders such as oral leakage, retention, penetration, mild or moderate aspiration and abnormal upper esophageal sphincter behavior. These dysfunctions were more evident in patients with esophageal motility abnormalities. A normal radiological pattern in the esophagus was not associated with swallowing alterations. Remarkably, patients with oral-pharyngeal disorders had a higher incidence of lung diseases. Forty-five patients (88%) exhibited disorders of the esophageal phase of deglutition, such as mild or severe motility abnormalities or hiatal hernia, gastro-esophageal reflux, reflux esophagitis, and stricture. Radiological findings in the esophagus can be abnormal in the early stages of the disease. On the other hand, the radiological pattern of esophageal motility can be occasionally negative in advanced or extensive disease. This indicates a discrepancy between clinical symptoms and radiological picture of the esophagus. The radiological examination of the oral-pharyngeal and esophageal phases of deglutition is important in patients with scleroderma in order to evaluate visceral involvement, motility disorders, and risk of aspiration. Such radiological information can be useful in preventing esophagitis and pulmonary complications.     

Morphological findings in dynamic swallowing studies of symptomatic patients

The aim of this study was to assess the role of videofluoroscopy in the detection of structural abnormalities of the pharynx and esophagus in patients with different symptoms of impaired deglutition. Dynamic radiographic recording of deglutition was performed in 3193 consecutive patients (1578 men, 1615 women; mean age 54 years) suffering from dysphagia, suspicion of aspiration, globus sensation, and non-cardiac chest pain. We assessed different structural lesions from the oral cavity to the esophagus and classified them into eight categories. Their frequency and association with the different clinical symptoms were evaluated. Videofluoroscopy revealed 1040 structural abnormalities in 833 patients (26%) including mass lesions from the oral cavity to hyoid/larynx ( n=66), pharyngeal diverticula ( n=181), pharyngeal masses ( n=78), other pharyngeal narrowings ( n=71), webs ( n=98), masses ( n=39), and other narrowings ( n=73) of the upper esophageal sphincter, esophageal diverticula ( n=80), esophageal webs, rings and strictures ( n=194), and intrinsic and extrinsic esophageal lesions ( n=160). There was a considerable variance of findings for different symptoms. In a large proportion of symptomatic patients videofluoroscopy detects morphological abnormalities along pharynx and esophagus often combined with functional disorders. This fact underlines the role of videofluoroscopy as a diagnostic test for function as well as morphology.     

The value of scintigraphy in the evaluation of oropharyngeal dysphagia

Healthy adults can swallow boluses of 20 ml water in a single swallow. Individuals with impaired swallowing, however, may be unable to do so, instead requiring two or more swallows; this phenomenon is called piecemeal deglutition. The term dysphagia limit refers to the volume at which piecemeal deglutition occurs. The aim of our study was to investigate the potential value of scintigraphic evaluation of piecemeal deglutition and dysphagia limit in patients with dysphagia, based on correlation with the results of submental electromyography (SM-EMG) and laryngeal sensor monitoring (LS). The study population comprised 24 patients with dysphagia secondary to neurological disorders and ten normal adults, who formed a control group. In the scintigraphic evaluation, subjects underwent four separate dynamic studies using 5, 10, 15 and 20 ml of water containing 0.5 mCi technetium-99m labelled sulphur colloid, and time-activity curves (TACs) were created for each study. Static thoracic images were also recorded in order to detect airway aspiration Observation of two or more peaks on TACs within the 10-s acquisition period was considered a sign of piecemeal deglutition. If piecemeal deglutition occurred at or below 20 ml, this volume was regarded as the dysphagia limit. Piecemeal deglutition was not found in any normal subjects; by contrast, it was observed in 14 of the 24 (58%) patients on scintigraphy and in 17 (71%) patients on EMG and LS. In three patients, signs of the airway aspiration were observed on static thoracic images. Scintigraphic and electrophysiological findings were in agreement in 19 patients (79%), and the correlation between scintigraphy and the electrophysiological methods for the evaluation of dysphagia was statistically significant (r=0.57, P=0.003). The novel finding of this study is the demonstration of piecemeal deglutition and dysphagia limit on scintigraphic studies in patients with neurogenic dysphagia. Based on this finding we consider that scintigraphic evaluations of piecemeal deglutition and dysphagia limit could be of value especially in centres which do not have electrophysiological test facilities. The technique should be added to the list of standard scintigraphic methods for the evaluation of patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia.     

Cervical osteophytes impinging on the pharynx: importance of size and concurrent disorders for development of aspiration

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the clinical significance of cervical osteophytes impinging on the pharynx in patients with dysphagia and the importance of concurrent disorders that may affect swallowing function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On videofluoroscopy, anterior cervical osteophytes were found in 55 (32 men, 23 women; mean age, 69 years) of 3318 patients with dysphagia (1.7%). Coexisting diseases that affected swallowing function were found in 28 patients (stroke, n = 7; thyroidectomy, n = 7; tongue base or laryngeal cancer surgery, n = 5; other diseases, n = 9). Swallowing function was assessed with videofluoroscopy evaluating epiglottic tilting, laryngeal closure, impression of the hypopharynx, pharyngeal residue, and aspiration. RESULTS: With advancing age, the probability of aspiration (odds ratio, 1.07; p < 0.05) and of enlarging osteophytes (odds ratio, 1.26; p < 0.01) increased; the probability was higher for osteophytes at more than one vertebrae (odds ratio, 8.00; p < 0.01) and for concurrent diseases (odds ratio, 8.02; p < 0.01). Aspiration was found in 75% of patients with osteophytes larger than 10 mm and in 34% with osteophytes smaller than or equal to 10 mm. In 88% of patients with small osteophytes who aspirated, other diseases affected swallowing function. CONCLUSION: Aspiration is common in patients with dysphagia and cervical osteophytes larger than 10 mm. Aspiration is rare in patients with osteophytes smaller than or equal to 10 mm unless these patients suffer from other disorders that may affect swallowing.     

头颈部肿瘤放疗后吞咽困难防治的研究现状

吞咽困难是头颈部肿瘤放疗后常见的不良反应,在接受放化疗的头颈部肿瘤患者中,超过76%的患者会出现吞咽困难,轻者降低生活质量,重者可能危及生命。吞咽困难的形成与肿瘤分期、治疗方法和康复计划等相关,其预防和治疗是保障头颈部肿瘤患者生活质量的关键,但是目前临床防治措施明显不完善。笔者从吞咽系统的解剖及生理过程、放疗后头颈部肿瘤患者吞咽困难的形成原因、放疗对头颈部肿瘤患者吞咽困难发生发展过程的影响、吞咽困难的评估以及吞咽功能训练等方面进行综述,以期进一步为头颈部肿瘤患者放疗后出现吞咽困难的防治提供思路。     

Evaluation of swallowing disorders with videofluoroscopy in Austria: a survey

AIM: The aim of our study was to assess the availability of videofluoroscopy to examine patients with swallowing disorders in Austria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to the department heads of the radiology departments of all hospitals (n=143) and to all non-hospital-based radiologic practices (n=226) throughout Austria. The survey focused on the availability of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies and on the studies performed in patients with deglutition disorders. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed and returned by 134 of 143 radiology departments (94%) and 65 of 226 non-hospital-based radiologists (29%). Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies were performed in 38 of 134 radiology departments (28%) and in 21 of 65 practices (32%). The method is available in all nine Austrian states (100%) and 27 of 99 districts (27%). The number of examinations performed in different states ranged from 0.7 to 19 studies/10,000 population per year. The number of videofluoroscopic examinations per department or practice in the year 2001 ranged between 5 and 690 (median, 100 examinations). To 85% of videofluoroscopy units patients were referred from otorhinolaryngology/phoniatrics-logopedics, to 69% of videofluoroscopy units referrals were also from internal medicine, from neurology in 54%, and from pediatrics in 20%. CONCLUSION: Despite the widespread availability of videofluoroscopy throughout Austria, its use still varies largely between different states. The data show that in general there is a wide-spread demand for videofluoroscopic swallowing studies.     

Videofluoroscopic assessment of patients with dysphagia: pharyngeal retention is a predictive factor for aspiration.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the clinical significance of pharyngeal retention to predict aspiration in patients with dysphagia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At videofluoroscopy, pharyngeal retention was found in 108 (28%; 73 males, 35 females; mean age, 60 years) of 386 patients with a suspected deglutition disorder. Swallowing function was assessed videofluoroscopically. The amount of residual contrast material in the valleculae or piriform sinuses was graded as mild, moderate, or severe. The frequency, type, and grade of aspiration were assessed. RESULTS: Pharyngeal retention was caused by pharyngeal weakness or paresis in 103 (95%) of 108 patients. In 70 patients (65%) with pharyngeal retention, postdeglutitive overflow aspiration was found. Aspiration was more often found in patients who had additional functional abnormalities such as incomplete laryngeal closure or impaired epiglottic tilting (p < 0.05). Postdeglutitive aspiration was diagnosed in 25% patients with mild, in 29% with moderate, and in 89% with severe pharyngeal retention (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Postdeglutitive overflow aspiration is a frequent finding in patients with pharyngeal retention, and the risk of aspiration increases markedly with the amount of residue. Functional abnormalities other than pharyngeal weakness, such as impaired laryngeal closure, may contribute to aspiration.     

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: sonographic evaluation of dysphagia

Purpose

The authors sought to determine the role of video ultrasonography (VUS) in the diagnostic assessment of dysphagia in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Materials and methods

Nine patients underwent simultaneous static and dynamic VUS examination and videofluoroscopy (VFS) of swallowing.

Results

At the static phase, VUS showed 5/9 patients had lingual atrophy. Abnormal bolus position was observed in 6/9 patients at VUS and 3/9 at VFS. Both techniques identified an inability to keep the bolus in the oral cavity in 4/9 patients. At the dynamic phase, reduced lingual movement was observed in 5/9 patients at VUS and 2/9 at VFS. Disorganised tongue movement was seen in 3/9 patients at VUS and in 2/9 at VFS. Fragmented swallowing was only visualised at VUS. Stagnation of ingested material was never visualised at VUS, whereas it was clearly depicted in 2/9 patients at VFS.

Conclusions

VUS can be integrated into the diagnostic protocol for evaluating swallowing in patients with ALS, as it has higher sensitivity than VFS in assessing the dynamic factors that represent the early signs of dysphagia.     

Videofluoroscopy of swallowing in symptomatic patients who have undergone long-term intubation

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether specific patterns of swallowing dysfunction occur in symptomatic patients after long-term intubation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients (16 men, five women; mean age, 66 years) who presented with clinical signs of aspiration after long-term intubation (mean duration, 24.6 days) underwent videofluoroscopy. They were analyzed for functional abnormalities of the tongue, soft palate, epiglottis, hyoid and larynx, pharynx, and the upper esophageal sphincter. We assessed the presence or absence of aspiration, the type of aspiration (pre-, intra-, and postdeglutitive), and a spectrum of other swallowing abnormalities. RESULTS: There were 18 patients (86%) with radiologically proven aspiration. In another patient only laryngeal penetration occurred. There were 11 combinations of pre-, intra-, and postdeglutitive aspiration. Predeglutitive aspiration was predominant and present in 52% of our patients. We found functional abnormalities of the tongue in 48%, of the soft palate in 10%, of the epiglottis in 48%, of the pharynx in 71%, and of the upper esophageal sphincter in 24%. CONCLUSION: Patients who are symptomatic after undergoing long-term intubation do not develop a specific type or pattern of swallowing dysfunction or aspiration, but show a large variety of aspiration types and associated swallowing disorders. Nevertheless, videofluoroscopy has the ability to reveal complex deglutition disorders and to aid precise planning of individualized functional swallowing therapy.     

Malignant Esophagogastric Junction Obstruction: Efficacy of Balloon Dilation Combined with Chemotherapy and/or Radiation Therapy

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of balloon dilation combined with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy for palliation of dysphagia due to malignant esophagogastric junction strictures. Methods: Fluoroscopically guided balloon dilation was attempted in 20 patients. The causes of strictures were gastric adenocarcinoma (n = 10) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (n = 10). Scheduled chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy followed balloon dilation in all patients. Results: There were no technical failures or major complications. After balloon dilation, 15 (75%) patients showed improvement of dysphagia. No patient complained of reflux esophagitis during the follow-up period. Among the 15 patients, seven needed no further treatment for palliation of dysphagia until their deaths. The remaining eight patients underwent repeat balloon dilation (n = 4) or stent placement (n = 4) 3–43 weeks (mean 15 weeks) after the initial balloon dilation because of recurrent dysphagia. Conclusion: Balloon dilation combined with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy seems to be an easy and reasonably effective palliative treatment for malignant esophagogastric strictures.     

Reversible amiodarone-induced lung disease: HRCT findings

The aim of this study was to describe thoracic high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings of reversible amiodarone-induced lung disease (AILD). The thoracic HRCT of 20 symptomatic patients who were considered as having reversible AILD by the medical staff of our institution were retrospectively reviewed. The patient-selection criteria used were the development of new respiratory symptoms while receiving amiodarone, the exclusion of other respiratory and cardiac diseases, and the decrease of both respiratory symptoms and radiological abnormalities after cessation of amiodarone and corticotherapy. The CT data recorded were those usually sought infiltrative lung diseases. The radiological findings using chest film (n=20) and HRCT (n=4) follow-up was noted. All patients had ground-glass opacities, associated with consolidations (n=4), thin intralobular reticulations (n=5), or both (n=11), with a subpleural (n=18) or central (n=2) location. Eight patients had high-density areas and 13 had pleural thickening (n=13). Bronchial abnormalities included dilation (n=16) and wall thickening (n=19). After therapeutic management, the radiological follow-up showed complete (n=17) or incomplete (n=3) improvement. Ground-glass opacities associated with thin intralobular reticulations and/or subpleural consolidations and bronchial abnormalities are common HRCT findings in reversible AILD. Electronic Publication     

Esophageal motor disorders: videofluoroscopic and manometric evaluation--prospective study in 88 symptomatic patients.

Esophageal motor disorders are best evaluated with manometry, which, however, is time-consuming and not generally available. The authors prospectively investigated the yield of videofluoroscopy in detection of esophageal motor disorders in comparison with that of manometry. Eighty-eight patients with dysphagia, globus sensation, noncardiac chest pain, or progressive systemic sclerosis underwent both manometry and videofluoroscopy at 0-32-day intervals. Videofluoroscopy was performed with one swallowing study in the upright position and up to three swallowing studies in the prone oblique position. Manometric diagnoses of achalasia (n = 15), diffuse esophageal spasm (n = 1), nonspecific esophageal motor disorders (n = 44), and adynamic esophagus (n = 9) were made. Videofluoroscopically, 87% of the patients with achalasia, the one patient with diffuse spasms, 73% of the patients with nonspecific esophageal motor disorders, and all of the patients with adynamic esophagus received a correct diagnosis, for an overall sensitivity of 80%. The radiographic specificity was 79%. The authors conclude that videofluoroscopy is a valuable and reasonably sensitive technique for screening for esophageal motor disorders.     

鼻咽癌放疗后舌骨及喉室的运动学变化特征

目的 利用视频造影吞咽检查(VFSS)分析鼻咽癌患者放疗后舌骨运动学变化特征。方法 本试验为前瞻性临床研究,收集2014年10月至2015年5月在本院初治的25例鼻咽癌患者为研究对象,在放疗前后使用普通X射线模拟机采集吞咽视频,通过视频分析软件进行连续快速截图,对比放疗前后吞咽时间、舌骨移动度及平均移动速度。结果 25例受试者放疗后平均吞咽时间较放疗前延长[(1.38±0.23)s vs.(1.12±0.26)s,t=-9.53,P<0.05),舌骨水平方向移动度(HHD) 较放疗前降低［(0.78±0.24)cm vs.(1.01±0.25)cm,t=5.82,P<0.05),舌骨垂直方向移动度(HVD) 也较放疗前降低［(0.78±0.18)cm vs.(1.01±0.25)cm,t=2.56,P<0.05],舌骨平均移动速度放疗后明显降低[(0.83±0.19)cm/s vs.(1.31±0.45)cm/s,t=6.46,P<0.05]。喉室移动度放疗前后比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 鼻咽癌患者放疗后吞咽时间较前延长,舌骨移动度及平均移动速度较前降低。临床试验注册 中国临床试验注册中心,ChiCTR-OOC-16007913。     

Spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging in suspected multiple sclerosis

We examined the value of spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnostic work-up of multiple sclerosis (MS). Forty patients suspected of having MS were examined within 24 months after the start of symptoms. Disability was assessed, and symptoms were categorized as either brain or spinal cord. Work-up further included cerebrospinal fluid analysis and standard proton-density, T2-, and T1-weighted gadolinium-enhanced brain and spinal cord MRI. Patients were categorized as either clinically definite MS (n = 13), laboratory-supported definite MS (n = 14), or clinically probable MS (n = 4); four patients had clinically probable MS, and in nine MS was suspected. Spinal cord abnormalities were found in 35 of 40 patients (87.5 %), consisting of focal lesions in 31, only diffuse abnormalities in two, and both in two. Asymptomatic spinal cord lesions occurred in six patients. All patients with diffuse spinal cord abnormality had clear spinal cord symptoms and a primary progressive disease course. In clinically definite MS, the inclusion of spinal imaging increased the sensitivity of MRI to 100 %. Seven patients without a definite diagnosis had clinically isolated syndromes involving the spinal cord. Brain MRI was inconclusive, while all had focal spinal cord lesions which explained symptoms and ruled out other causes. Two other patients had atypical brain abnormalities suggesting ischemic/vascular disease. No spinal cord abnormalities were found, and during follow-up MS was ruled out. Spinal cord abnormalities are common in suspected MS, and may occur asymptomatic. Although diagnostic classification is seldom changed, spinal cord imaging increases diagnostic sensitivity of MRI in patients with suspected MS. In addition, patients with primary progressive MS may possibly be earlier diagnosed. Finally, differentiation with atypical lesions may be improved. Received: 21 April 1999; Revised: 3 August 1999; Accepted: 7 August 1999     

Radiologic evaluation of the oral stage of swallowing

The oral stage of swallowing was radiologically evaluated in 19 patients with swallowing complaints. Eight patients had had surgical resection and reconstruction due to tumours of the tongue, floor of the mouth or mandible. Eleven patients had suffered from cerebrovascular disease. All patients had incoordination of tongue movements including defective initiation of pharyngeal swallow. In patients who had undergone surgical resection, oral dysfunction correlated with the extension of resection as well as type of reconstruction, and was more profound compared with the disorder present in patients with cerebrovascular disease. Moreover, muscular derangement due to surgery of the floor of the mouth interfered with the elevation of the hyoid bone, larynx and pharynx and thereby the pharyngeal stage of swallowing also became abnormal. Cineradiography seems to be an appropriate method for evaluation of the oral stage of swallowing in patients with deglutition complaints.     

Method for detection of aspiration based on B-mode video ultrasonography

In this study, we aimed to develop a new method for detection of aspiration based on B-mode video ultrasonography and to evaluate its performance. To detect aspirated boluses by B-mode video ultrasonography in patients with dysphagia, we placed a linear array transducer above the thyroid cartilage and observed the area around the vocal folds. Forty-two ultrasonographic measurements were obtained from 17 patients with dysphagia who also underwent videofluoroscopy or videoendoscopy measurements at the same time. Aspirated boluses were observed in B-mode video ultrasonographic images as hyperechoic, long, narrow objects that passed through the vocal folds beneath the anterior wall of the trachea, with movement different from that of the surrounding structure. The sensitivity of aspiration detection was 0.64, and the specificity was 0.84. This newly developed detection method will enable patients with dysphagia to receive appropriate daily swallowing care.     

Dysphagia

Background

In the past, xerostomia was considered one of the most important determining factors of quality of life (QoL) after radiotherapy (RT) of the head and neck region. In addition, more recent studies have shown that RT-induced dysphagia has an essential influence on the QoL.

Patients and Methods

Between September 2005 and August 2007, 35 patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region were included in the prospective study. Patients were treated by IMAT (intensity-modulated arc therapy) or IMRT (intensity-modulated radiotherapy) planned on 3D imaging. A total of 28 patients (80%) received concomitant chemotherapy. The evaluation of QoL (EORTC QLQ - C30, H&;N C-35) and toxicities (CTC 2.0) were assessed at the beginning of, during, and after RT as well as up to 12 months after the end of therapy.

Results

At the end of therapy, 86% of the patients experienced difficulties in swallowing (62% CTC II?CIII°). Twelve months after the end of treatment, 15% still suffered from dysphagia CTC II?CIII°. Concomitant chemotherapy exacerbated the incidence and gravity of dysphagia, resulting in increasing dietary problems. QoL (EORTC) was significantly affected by dysphagia. In particular, the global state of health and QoL were influenced at the end of treatment (p = 0.033) and at a later stage (p = 0.050).

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that more emphasis should be placed on structured clinical diagnostics, therapy, and rehabilitation of deglutition problems. This means in particular to not only spare the parotids while planning the irradiation, but also to take into consideration the important structures for deglutition, like the retropharyngeal muscles.     

针刺与吞咽训练治疗缺血性脑卒中后吞咽障碍疗效分析

目的观察针刺与吞咽训练结合治疗缺血性脑卒中后吞咽障碍的临床疗效。方法我院收治的缺血性脑卒中后吞咽障碍患者120例,分为吞咽训练组、针刺＋吞咽训练组两组进行治疗,每组60例。参照洼田饮水试验于治疗前及治疗3周后进行评定,比较两组临床疗效。结果经过3周治疗,针刺＋吞咽训练组治疗总有效率为91.67%,明显优于吞咽训练组（58.33%）（P〈0.05）。结论针刺与吞咽康复训练结合更能有效改善吞咽功能。     

CT and MRI findings in KIT-weak or KIT-negative atypical gastrointestinal stromal tumors

The large majority of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) can be diagnosed on the basis of KIT immunoreactivity. However, some atypical tumors show weak or negative KIT expression. We studied the imaging characteristics of atypical GIST, reviewing CT and MRI findings in ten patients (eight men, two women; mean age 59 years) with atypical GIST. Radiological studies were evaluated by two radiologists by consensus and included CT and MR imaging in all patients. Pathological diagnoses were made from surgery and confirmed by the polymerase-chain reaction (PCR) to amplify both exons of the c-kit gene and PDGFRA gene. The CT and MR examinations revealed a heterogeneous mass of the stomach containing cystic regions and soft tissue elements in all cases. All lesions were extraluminal masses and had an exophytic epicenter. On T1-weighted MR images soft tissue elements of the tumors were of homogeneously low- (n=3) or iso-signal intensity (n=7) compared with the liver parenchyma. On fast spin-echo T2-weighted MR images soft tissue elements of all tumors showed cystic regions of significantly high signal intensity interspersed with septumlike structures of low signal intensity. All lesions exhibited homogeneously (n=4) or heterogeneously (n=6) mild to moderate enhancement of soft tissue elements. Despite the relatively small number of patients CT and MRI findings of atypical GIST are a submucosal mass with soft tissue elements and cystic regions.     

Anterior neopharyngeal pseudodiverticulum. A possible cause of dysphagia in laryngectomized patients.

Anterior neopharyngeal pseudodiverticula are out-pouchings of the neopharyngeal lumen in laryngectomized patients which can cause postoperative dysphagia. In this study 20 laryngectomized patients were examined endoscopically and with barium swallow to determine the frequency of pseudodiverticulum formation, the correlation with clinical symptoms, and to evaluate the best modality for diagnosis. In 12 patients an anterior neopharyngeal pseudodiverticulum was present. Of these patients eight complained of dysphagia. The barium swallow showed more clearly the pseudodiverticula than laryngoscopy and gave additional information on functional implications. All symptomatic patients were successfully operated on with endoscopic laser therapy.