Clinical indicators of childhood retropharyngeal abscess

Retropharyngeal abscess is a rare but distinctive cause of airway obstruction in childhood. Early recognition permits emergent airway management and surgical drainage. Even when the presentation is insidious and does not include respiratory compromise, early clinical diagnosis of retropharyngeal cellulitis and appropriate medical treatment may halt progression to an abscess. Delay in the diagnosis and management of a retropharyngeal abscess may lead to potentially lethal complications involving vital structures. A case of an infant whose diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess was delayed because of absence of respiratory compromise is reported. Relapse of retropharyngeal abscess despite surgical drainage and appropriate antibiotic treatment was a complication of infection in this patient. Clinical indicators providing an early diagnosis of retropharyngeal infection, and aspects of evaluation, management, and outcome, are discussed.     

Predictors of dysphagia after spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the incidence of swallowing deficits (dysphagia) and to identify factors that predict risk for dysphagia in the rehabilitation setting following acute traumatic spinal cord injury. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. SETTING: Freestanding rehabilitation hospital. PATIENTS: Data were collected on 187 patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury admitted for rehabilitation over a 4-year period who underwent a swallowing screen, in which 42 underwent a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: VFSS was performed on patients with suspected swallowing problems. Possible antecedents of dysphagia were recorded from the medical record including previous history of spine surgery, surgical approach and technique, tracheostomy and ventilator status, neurologic level of injury, ASIA Impairment Classification, orthosis, etiology of injury, age, and gender. RESULTS: On admission to rehabilitation 22.5% (n = 42) of spinal cord injury patients had symptoms suggesting dysphagia. In 73.8% (n = 31) of these cases, testing confirmed dysphagia (aspiration or requiring a modified diet), while VFSS ruled out dysphagia in 26.2% (n = 11) cases. Logistic regression and other analyses revealed three significant predictors of risk for dysphagia: age (p < .028), tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation (p < .001), and spinal surgery via an anterior cervical approach (p < .016). Other variables analyzed had no relation or at best a slight relation to dysphagia. Tracheostomy at admission was the strongest predictor of dysphagia. The combination of tracheostomy at rehabilitation admission and anterior surgical approach had an extremely high rate of dysphagia (48%). CONCLUSION: Swallowing abnormalities are present in a significant percentage of patients presenting to rehabilitation with acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury. Patients with a tracheostomy appear to have a substantially increased risk of development of dysphagia, although other factors are also relevant. Risk of dysphagia should be evaluated to decrease the potential for morbidity related to swallowing abnormalities.     

Schwannoma of the retropharyngeal space

We report a rare case of schwannoma arising from the retropharyngeal space. A 24-year-old man presented a 2-month-history of a foreign body sensation in the throat and gradually progressing dysphagia when he swallowed solids and liquids. The patient had no odynophagia, fever, or blood in his saliva. Computed tomographic scans and magnetic resonance images revealed a well-defined and oval mass, measuring about 40 mm x 20 mm in size, in the retropharyngeal space. Because the tumor existed in the retropharyngeal space and was the adequate size, the patient underwent trans-oral resection under the direct laryngoscope without the need for skin incision. On the basis of the histological findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a schwannoma. It was mostly composed of spindle cells arranged in short bundles and fascicles, with focal palisading of the nuclei. The neoplasm arising from the retropharyngeal space is quite rare, because of few anatomical structures in the space. The post-operative course was uneventful, and the patient is currently free from disease 30 months after surgery. Diagnosis, clinical behavior, and treatment of retropharyngeal schwannoma are reviewed from perusal of the literature. When schwannomas are located in the pharynx, they may cause foreign body sensation or dysphagia. Therefore, when a foreign body sensation in the larynx is present, a thorough diagnostic procedure should be performed to evaluate the morphology of the upper aerodigestive tract.     

综合康复疗法对脑卒中患者吞咽功能重建及吸入性肺炎的影响

目的:探讨综合康复疗法对脑卒中后吞咽功能重建及吸入性肺炎的影响。方法:将82例脑卒中后吞咽功能障碍患者随机分为观察组(42例)和对照组(40例)。两组患者均接受常规康复治疗,观察组患者同时加用项针疗法和电刺激。对两组患者于治疗前和治疗4周后进行洼田饮水试验和吞咽X线电视透视检查,并统计治疗期间两组患者出现吸入性肺炎情况。结果:两组患者治疗后洼田饮水试验和吞咽X线电视透视检查评分均明显高于治疗前,且治疗4周后,两组患者之间评分差异存在统计学意义(P<0.01),观察组高于对照组。治疗期间两组患者吸入性肺炎发生情况比较,存在统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:综合康复疗法能够促进脑卒中后吞咽功能重建和减少吸入性肺炎的发生。     

Pulse oximetry does not reliably detect aspiration on videofluoroscopic swallowing study

OBJECTIVE: To examine the reliability of pulse oximetry for identifying aspiration by comparing it with the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). DESIGN: Nonrandomized, prospective, double-blind study. SETTING: VFSS laboratory in a teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty patients from among 130 patients with clinically diagnosed dysphagia between September and December 2002. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Simultaneously monitoring the arterial oxygen saturation (Sp o 2 ) by pulse oximetry while patients were performing VFSS. A decrease in Sp o 2 exceeding 3% was considered as significant desaturation. Bolus or portion of bolus passing through the vocal cords and entering the subglottic space was defined as aspiration on VFSS. The results of pulse oximetry and VFSS were compared. RESULTS: No significant correlation existed between desaturation measured by pulse oximetry and aspiration on VFSS (chi 2 test, P =.87). The positive predictive rate of pulse oximetry in detecting aspiration on VFSS was 39.1%, and the negative predictive rate was 59.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Aspiration occurring on VFSS cannot be predicted based on decrease in Sp o 2 in pulse oximetry. The application of pulse oximetry to detect aspiration during regular meals requires further investigation.     

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Dysphagia Caused by Wilson's Disease

Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive disorder of abnormal copper metabolism. Although dysphagia is a common complaint of patients with Wilson's disease and pneumonia is an important cause of death in these patients, management of swallowing function has rarely been reported in the context of Wilson's disease. Hence, we report a case of Wilson's disease presenting with dysphagia. A 33-year-old man visited our hospital with a complaint of difficulty in swallowing, since about last 7 years and which had worsened since the last 2-3 months. He was diagnosed with Wilson's disease about 13 years ago. On the initial VFSS, reduced hyoid bone movement, impaired epiglottic movement and moderate amount of residue in the valleculae during the pharyngeal phase were noted. After 10 sessions of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for 1 hour per day, decreased amount of residue was observed in the valleculae during the pharyngeal phase on the follow-up VFSS.     

多学科团队管理对脑损伤吞咽障碍患者吞咽功能的影响

目的:探讨多学科团队管理对脑损伤吞咽障碍患者吞咽功能的疗效影响。方法:入选脑损伤后吞咽障碍患者60例,随机分为对照组和观察组各30例,其中对照组采用常规综合吞咽障碍康复方案,观察组在常规方案的基础上采用多学科吞咽团队管理方案。使用洼田饮水试验、视频透视吞咽功能检查(Video Fluoroscopic Swallowing Study,VFSS)比较2组患者吞咽功能改善程度,使用体重指数(Body Mass Index,BMI)18.5、吸入性肺炎发生率比较2组并发症发生情况。结果:干预4周后,2组洼田饮水试验结果分级显示吞咽功能均较组内治疗前明显改善(P0.01),且观察组吞咽功能明显优于对照组(P0.01)。观察组吞咽功能障碍恢复总有效率明显高于对照组(P0.05)。2组VFSS评分均较治疗前明显提高(P0.01),观察组更高于对照组(P0.01)。观察组拔管率明显高于对照组(P0.05);观察组营养不良及吸入性肺炎发生率均明显低于对照组(P0.05)。结论:多学科吞咽团队管理下进行的康复干预方案可有效改善脑损伤吞咽障碍患者的吞咽功能及脑损伤后吞咽障碍患者营养不良,降低吸入性肺炎的发生率。     

Evaluation of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia With the Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study

This article will discuss suspected oropharyngeal dysphagia, which is typically evaluated with a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). The VFSS is different from a regular barium swallow with a focus on the oral cavity, pharynx, and proximal esophagus as the patient ingests multiple volumes of liquids, semisolids, and solids. The goals of the VFSS are to assess oropharyngeal biomechanical function and dysfunction, determine swallowing safety and efficiency, identify effectiveness of compensatory strategies, establish an appropriate diet, and construct an evidence-based rehabilitation plan.     

Group B streptococcal retropharyngeal cellulitis in a young infant: a case report and review of the literature

The diagnosis of retropharyngeal cellulitis and abscess, although most common in children under 6 years of age, is often misdiagnosed in the newborn or early infancy period. The clinical signs of drooling, neck swelling, dysphagia, and torticollis may be absent or not easily identifiable. The following case report details a 2 1/2-month-old infant who presented with fever and irritability, and was subsequently diagnosed with group B streptococcal retropharyngeal cellulitis. Retropharyngeal cellulitis and abscess should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infants and young children who present with fever and irritability, particularly when lumbar puncture results are normal. This case also serves to highlight a rare manifestation of late-onset group B steptococcal disease.     

Treatment of Dysphagia with pyridostigmine bromide in a patient with the pharyngeal-cervical-brachial variant of guillain-barré syndrome

A 24-year-old male developed bulbar palsy, ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, and shoulder weakness bilaterally 2 weeks after he had experienced an upper respiratory infection. The electrodiagnostic study demonstrated axonal polyradiculoneuropathy. The repetitive nerve stimulation study (RNS) showed no significant decrement of the compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs). The videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) showed severe impairment of the pharyngeal phase of swallowing. He was diagnosed as having the pharyngeal-cervical-brachial variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome. The patient's dysphagia was not improved for 3 months. A follow up RNS showed a significant decrement of the CMAPs. Pyridostigmine bromide was tried to improve the dysphagia. The patient showed immediate improvement of his dysphagia on the VFSS after the trial with pyridostigmine bromide. Pyridostigmine bromide was given before each meal for 8 days and he showed continuous improvement of his dysphagia. The follow up VFSS after 3 months showed complete recovery of dysphagia.     

Dysphagia Characteristics of Patients Post SARS-CoV-2 During Inpatient Rehabilitation

ObjectiveTo investigate dysphagia in patients recovering from SARS-CoV-2 admitted to acute inpatient rehabilitation by summarizing clinical swallow evaluation and videofluoroscopic swallow study findings.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingUrban inpatient rehabilitation hospital.ParticipantsThe first inpatients admitted with SARS-CoV-2 (N=40) who participated in a videofluoroscopic swallow study.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresPatient characteristics upon admission (duration of intubation, tracheostomy status, comorbidities, videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) completion at previous level of care); admission International Dysphagia Diet level (IDDSI); Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA), Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), dysphagia severity rating; penetration aspiration scale (PAS) rated during VFSS; and IDDSI level recommended after completion of VFSS.ResultsTwenty percent of patients had been evaluated by videofluoroscopy in acute care. Nineteen of 37 (51%) individuals were upgraded to IDDSI level 7 regular diet with level 0 thin liquids and achieved a FOIS of 7 after the completion of the VFSS. Five individuals (13%) received a diet downgrade or remained on the same diet recommendations from their admission. Total numerical score (TNS) of less than 170 on the MASA predicted presence of aspiration in 27% of patients (6 of 22). Seventy-two percent of the sample (16 of 22) had a TNS less than 170 but did not demonstrate any instances of aspiration. The odds of patients having a PAS of 3 or greater increased by approximately 15% (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.27; P=.013). Thus, with each additional day of intubation during acute care stay, there was a 15% greater likelihood of having airway invasion.ConclusionsInstrumental swallow evaluations are imperative to diagnose and treat dysphagia in the post-coronavirus disease population. Because of the heterogeneity of this population, high incidence of prolonged intubation, and limitations of the clinical swallowing evaluation, instrumental assessments need to be performed on a more consistent basis as infection prevention protocols evolve.     

球囊扩张术对脑卒中后吞咽障碍康复疗效及不良并发症研究

目的:研究球囊扩张术对脑卒中后吞咽障碍的康复疗效及不良并发症的影响。方法:选取我院经吞咽造影检查确诊为脑卒中后环咽肌失弛缓导致的吞咽障碍患者50例,随机分为2组各25例。对照组接受常规吞咽功能训练、Vitalstim神经肌肉低频电刺激,观察组另外给予球囊扩张术治疗。比较2组患者的总有效率、吞咽功能、并发症发生率,同时比较治疗前和治疗后的咽通过时间、吞咽造影检查(VFSS)评分及功能性经口摄食评估(FOIS)评分。结果:观察组的可进水、可进食流质物、可进食糊状物、可进食固体食物比例均明显高于对照组(均P0.01);观察组的吸入性肺炎发生率明显低于对照组(P0.05);治疗后,观察组的咽通过时间明显低于对照组(P0.01),VFSS和FOIS评分均明显高于对照组(均P0.01);观察组的康复总有效率明显高于对照组(96.0%,72.0%,P0.05)。结论:球囊扩张术对脑卒中后吞咽障碍具有显著疗效,缩短患者康复时间,降低误吸等并发症的发生。     

Retropharyngeal phlegmon in a hemodialysis patient with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia is a frequent occurrence in patients with indwelling catheters. Endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and septic arthritis are common metastatic complications. A hemodialysis patient developed fever, headache, neck pain, sore throat, and dysphagia in the setting of S. aureus bacteremia. Contrast computed tomography scan of the neck revealed a retropharyngeal phlegmon. Recurrent bacteremia led to the identification of the access graft as the infectious source. We present this case to increase awareness among emergency physicians that retropharyngeal infection by S. aureus can arise by hematogenous spread and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a bacteremic patient with sore throat or neck pain.     

Mediastinitis following nasal intubation in the emergency department

A patient who developed a retropharyngeal abscess and fatal mediastinitis following emergent nasal intubation is described. Despite aggressive surgical therapy the patient died of mediastinitis. Although mediastinitis as a complication of oral intubation has been described, mediastinitis following nasal intubation has not previously been reported.     

多伦多床旁吞咽筛查试验在急性期脑卒中后吞咽障碍筛查中的筛检效果评价

目的:探讨多伦多床旁吞咽筛查试验(TOR-BSST)在急性期脑卒中后吞咽障碍筛查中的筛检效果。方法:采用TOR-BSST对148例急性期脑卒中后住院患者进行筛查评估,筛查当天或24小时之内行吞咽障碍诊断金标准——视频透视检查(VFSS),以金标准为参考标准,用灵敏度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值、阳性似然比、阴性似然比进行筛检效果评价。结果:TOR-BSST(+)共46例(31.08%),TOR-BSST(-)共102例(68.92%),结果显示TOR-BSST判断吞咽障碍的灵敏度为61.8%,特异度为87.1%,阳性预测值为73.9%,阴性预测值79.4%,阳性似然比为4.7907,阴性似然比0.4386。结论:与TOR-BSST研发原作者的研究相比较,此研究结果显示筛检效果不够理想,两者的研究环境与使用环境均有差距,未来需要更严谨的研究方法学设计、更多的吞咽障碍评估方法的引进或开发,且加强VFSS评价的准确性是关键。     

Anticoagulation and spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma

A 57-year-old man treated with Coumadin for an episode of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation presented to the Emergency Department with progressive dysphagia and odynophagia. Physical examination revealed a large right-sided lateral and posterior pharyngeal wall mass. Laboratory studies were significant for an international normalized ratio (INR) of 5.4 with a white blood cell count of 11,600/muL and a hematocrit of 33.2%. A lateral soft tissue radiograph and computed tomography (CT) scan of the neck demonstrated a retropharyngeal hematoma compromising the airway. Rapid reversal of the coagulopathy was achieved with fresh frozen plasma and vitamin K. Patients with space-occupying retropharyngeal masses present a significant management dilemma. The choice between observation, intubation, or a surgical airway intervention must rely upon knowledge of the natural course and high rate of airway occlusion when faced with a patient who presents with a retropharyngeal hematoma. Once symptoms of airway compromise manifest, the airway must be expeditiously secured before complete obstruction occurs. This diagnosis should be sought when an anticoagulated patient presents with upper airway symptoms.     

Lateral Pharyngeal Wall Motion Analysis Using Ultrasonography in Stroke Patients with Dysphagia

We aimed to analyze lateral pharyngeal wall (LPW) motion using ultrasonography. The subjects were stroke patients with dysphagia (n = 26) and normal controls (n = 15). The stroke patients were divided into two groups based on a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). Group A (n = 12) had a penetration or aspiration in VFSS findings, while group B (n = 14) had no evidence of a penetration or aspiration. We assessed LPW motion using B/M-mode ultrasonography. We performed the comparative analysis among each group and the relationship between LPW motion parameters and the VFSS parameters of the pharyngeal phase. The mean LPW displacement of group A, B was significantly decreased than that of normal controls. The mean LPW duration of group A, B was increased than that of normal controls, but not statistically significant. The mean LPW displacement of group A was significantly correlated with the residue in valleculae, pharyngeal delay time and laryngeal elevation, but that of group B was not significantly correlated. The mean LPW duration of group A, B was not significantly correlated with the VFSS parameters of the pharyngeal phase. We suggest that LPW motion analysis could be a useful alternative method for the evaluation of the pharyngeal phase in stroke patients with a penetration or aspiration in VFSS findings.     

Development of a modified swallowing screening tool to manage post‐extubation dysphagia

Post‐extubation dysphagia is a condition that is becoming a growing concern. The condition occurs in 3–62% of extubated patients and can be related to mixed aetiologies, such as neuromuscular impairment, critical illness and laryngeal damage. The risk factors for developing dysphagia in critically ill patients are under‐diagnosed and perhaps underestimated. Recent studies recommend the implementation of a standardized swallowing screen to prevent aspiration and decrease pneumonia rate and mortality. The aim of this quality improvement initiative was the development of a bedside swallowing screening tool to assess effective swallowing post‐endotracheal extubation. Post‐extubation dysphagia can result in a delay in re‐feeding, with the potential for malnutrition as well as overt and covert aspiration if swallowing is not effectively screened. It is apparent that ICU nurses commence the initial screen for swallowing in the absence of an evidence base of care. A review of current local and international practice guidelines excludes the process of an effective swallowing screen of the extubated patient. Previously, a referral to speech and language therapists would be required to assess swallowing only after an initial review by the ICU medical team. This often leads to delays if the referral is made outside normal working practice, such as weekends or evenings. The initial development of a swallowing screening tool is the first step to promoting a nurse‐led/‐initiated bedside swallow screening tool that will enhance patient care and patient safety. There is growing body of evidence regarding the incidence of post‐extubation dysphagia. Currently, there are very few recognized bedside swallowing screening tools to identify patients at risk. The most serious complication associated with post‐extubation dysphagia is aspiration pneumonia, which is the leading cause of nosocomial infection in the critically ill patient.     

脑卒中急性期吞咽障碍的临床影像评价

目的:探讨脑卒中急性期吞咽障碍的临床及影像学检查的表现,分析脑卒中部位与吞咽障碍发生类型的关系。方法:首次发病的急性脑卒中患者62例,根据不同病变部位分为单侧大脑半球组、双侧大脑半球组、脑干与小脑组及多发性卒中组。入院后3d内完成临床吞咽功能评估;入院7d进行吞咽X线荧光透视检查(VFSS);记录分析吞咽障碍的类型和脑卒中的病变部位。结果:入院3d内临床吞咽评定4组患者中有29例(46.8%)存在吞咽困难,其中脑干及小脑组发生吞咽困难的百分率明显高于其他组(P0.05);于7d时VFSS检测11例能完成,其中单侧大脑半球组3例、双侧大脑半球组2例,多出现口腔期困难;脑干及小脑组2例,多出现咽期困难;多发卒中组4例,口腔期和咽期均受影响。吞咽异常表现类型为唇闭合无力、舌运动减弱、误吸及环咽肌功能不全、吞咽反射延迟、喉上抬差、会厌谷和/或梨状窝滞留、喉渗透等。结论:脑卒中后吞咽障碍的临床评定可明确吞咽口阶段的生理状态,VFSS可明确咽阶段及有无误吸。为避免吞咽困难所致的并发症及预防或治疗吞咽困难,需尽早完成吞咽评定,且可以节省患者总体费用及加快改善预后。     

针刺结合神经肌肉电刺激对脑卒中后咽期吞咽障碍的影响

目的:观察针刺结合神经肌肉电刺激对脑卒中后咽期吞咽障碍患者康复的影响。方法:按随机数字表法将40例脑卒中患者分为2组各20例,对照组给予常规药物治疗、吞咽功能训练和神经肌肉电刺激,观察组在对照组的基础上给予针刺治疗。治疗前后采用表面肌电分析(记录sEMG最大波幅)、透视吞咽功能检查(VFSS)对患者吞咽功能进行评价。结果:治疗20d后,2组患者的sEMG最大波幅、VFSS总评分及咽期VFSS评分明显高于治疗前(P0.05),且观察组更高于对照组(P0.05)。结论:针刺结合神经肌肉电刺激能明显提高脑卒中后咽期吞咽障碍患者的康复效果。