Morphologic Parameters of Normal Swallowing Events Using Single-Shot Fast Spin Echo Dynamic MRI

This study was designed to determine visible and measurable morphological parameters in normal swallowing using dynamic MRI with single-shot fast spin echo (SSFSE), as a preliminary study in view of noninvasive MRI swallowing evaluation in patients with dysphagia. Seven healthy volunteers aged 24–40 underwent dynamic MRI with SSFSE, with a 1.5-T unit, using a head and neck antenna. Patients repeated dry swallow, water swallow, marshmallow swallow, cake swallow, and cookie chewing for a total of five series, with 15 acquisitions per series at a rate of 700 ms per acquisition. A checklist of swallowing events and anatomic landmarks was used to determine which anatomic landmarks are always visible, which phases or swallowing movements are always visible, and which landmarks can be used to measure oral and pharyngeal motion in swallowing. The oral preparatory, oral, and oropharyngeal phases of deglutition were visible in all cases. No aspiration, reflux, or abnormal residue was observed. Spatial resolution allowed for anatomical measurements of laryngeal elevation, oropharyngeal diameter, and tongue base and velum displacement in all cases. SSFSE dynamic MRI is pertinent for evaluation of the anatomical and physiological characteristics of swallow. The temporal parameters, however, cannot be studied using this technique. Motion artifacts preclude its use in the study of mastication. It remains complementary to videofluoroscopy and other techniques in swallow evaluation.