The relationship between observations and measures of oral and pharyngeal residue from videofluorography and scintigraphy

We examined measures of oral and pharyngeal residues from scintigraphic studies and estimates/observations from videofluorographic (modified barium swallow) studies taken on the same day but not concurrently in 16 dysphagic patients of varying etiologies presenting with oral and/or pharyngeal dysphagia. Oral and pharyngeal residuals following the swallow were quantified scintigraphically and were then compared with measures of residuals obtained from the modified barium swallow. Estimates of oral and pharyngeal residues from the modified barium swallows were generated by a trained observer who was blinded to the scintigraphic data. Positive and significant Spearman correlations between oral and pharyngeal residue measures from scintigraphy and observations of oral and pharyngeal residues from modified barium swallows were found. This supports the validity of observations of oral and pharyngeal residues in clinical studies. Limitations of these observations are discussed.