EBP Compendium: Summary of Clinical Practice Guideline
American College of Radiology (ACR)
ACR Appropriateness Criteria: Dysphagia
Jones, B., Gayler, B. W., et al.
(2010).
American College of Radiology, 6 pages.
AGREE Rating: Recommended with Provisos
Description:
This guideline provides recommendations for the radiologic evaluation of individuals with dysphagia. The primary audience is radiologists, however the information is relevant to speech-language pathologists. Recommendations are separated into four categories:
- Oropharyngeal dysphagia with an attributable cause
- Unexplained oropharyngeal dysphagia
- Substernal dysphagia in immunocompetent patients
- Substernal dysphagia in immunocompromised patients.
Recommendations:
- Swallowing Screening/Assessment
- If there is an attributable cause for the dysphagia, a modified barium swallow study is recommended. High-density or low-density barium suspensions may be used and substances of varying consistency (e.g. barium paste or barium-impregnated crackers) may be used. With the assistance of a speech therapist, compensatory maneuvers may be attempted.
- If oropharyngeal dysphagia is unexplained, a more detailed barium study may be performed. A combination of videofluoroscopy and static images of the pharynx and esophagus can improve diagnostic value.
- When evaluating substernal dysphagia in immunocompetent patients, the biphasic esophagram is the assessment of choice. Double contrast views are best for detecting mucosal lesions, whereas single-contrast views are best for detecting lower esophageal rings or strictures
- The biphasic esophagram is also useful in assessing individuals with esophageal motility disorders.
- Endoscopy may be performed to evaluate the esophagus for structural abnormalities.
- In patients with immunocompromised substernal dysphagia, endoscopy is the assessment of choice. Barium esophagography may also be useful.
Keywords: Swallowing Disorders; Instrumental Assessment
Access the Guideline
Added to Compendium: October 2011