Videofluoroscopic upper esophageal sphincter function in elderly dysphagic patients

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The intent of the study was to identify and characterize abnormalities of the timing and extent of upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening in an elderly population complaining of dysphagia. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of dynamic swallow studies performed on patients greater than 65 years of age without an obvious medical or surgical cause for their dysphagia. METHODS: Measures of UES opening timing and extent in the patient population were compared with those from 60 young, normal control subjects and 23 elderly control subjects. The relationship of UES function and other swallowing abnormalities was also evaluated. RESULTS: No decrease in the size of UES opening was identified in the patient population. The coordination of UES opening relative to the position of the bolus in the pharynx was normal. UES opening was prolonged and was correlated with poor pharyngeal clearing suggestive of weak pharyngeal constriction. CONCLUSION: No primary abnormality of UES function was identified in this elderly dysphagic patient population.