INTRODUÇÃO: São poucos os estudos que descrevem e comparam as avaliações clínicas fonoaudiológica e videofluoroscópica da deglutição em crianças com suspeita de disfagia. Neste estudo, descrevemos os sinais e sintomas clínicos sugestivos de alterações na fase faríngea observados na avaliação clínica e os achados videofluoroscópicos das fases oral, faríngea e esofágica da deglutição; identificamos os sinais e sintomas clínicos associados à presença de alteração na fase faríngea; identificamos os fatores clínicos associados aos sinais e sintomas clínicos sugestivos de alterações na fase faríngea e aos achados videofluoroscópicos das fases oral e faríngea; e verificamos a influência da idade na presença dessas alterações. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva de dados de avaliações clínicas fonoaudiológicas e videofluoroscópicas da deglutição realizadas em 55 crianças de 1 mês a 7 anos e 11 meses de idade. Na avaliação clínica, utilizou-se o Protocolo para Avaliação Clínica da Disfagia Pediátrica. Na videofluoroscopia, analisaram-se alterações nas fases oral, faríngea e esofágica da deglutição. Para a análise estatística, foram utilizados os Testes de Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: A alteração na ausculta cervical, tosse, engasgo e dessaturação de oxigênio foram os sinais clínicos mais observados. As alterações de fase oral foram menos frequentes com líquido fino e mais frequentes com pastoso homogêneo. As alterações na fase faríngea foram mais frequentes com líquido fino e menos frequentes com líquido engrossado e pastoso homogêneo. Na fase esofágica, aproximadamente metade das crianças apresentou refluxo gastroesofágico. O engasgo associou-se à penetração laríngea isolada com líquido fino. A prematuridade e os problemas neurológicos associaram-se à dessaturação de oxigênio. Houve associação significativa entre problemas neurológicos e alteração de fase oral e resíduo em valécula e recessos piriformes após a deglutição. O refluxo gastroesofágico associou-se ao desconforto respiratório. Na avaliação clínica, as crianças de 1-6 meses de idade apresentaram menos alteração na ausculta cervical e na qualidade vocal e mais desconforto respiratório; as de 7-14 meses mais alteração na ausculta cervical; as maiores do que 1 ano mais alteração na qualidade vocal. Na videofluoroscopia, as crianças de 1-6 meses de idade apresentaram menos alterações na fase oral e resíduo faríngeo; as de 7-14 meses mais alterações na fase faríngea com líquido fino; as de 15-36 meses mais alterações na fase oral; as maiores do que 37 meses mais alterações na fase faríngea com pastoso homogêneo; as maiores do que 1 ano mais alterações na fase oral e resíduo faríngeo. CONCLUSÕES: Os sinais e sintomas clínicos mais observados foram alteração na ausculta cervical, tosse, engasgo e dessaturação de oxigênio. As alterações na fase oral e faríngea relacionaram-se à diferentes consistências alimentares. O engasgo foi o único sinal clínico associado à penetração laríngea isolada com líquido fino. A dessaturação de oxigênio associou-se à prematuridade e aos problemas neurológicos e o desconforto respiratório ao refluxo gastroesofágico. As alterações de fase oral e resíduo em valécula e recessos piriformes após a deglutição associaram-se aos problemas neurológicos. Constataram-se diferenças para os sinais clínicos relacionadas à idade. Observaram-se alterações nas fases oral e faríngea não esperadas para a idade na população estudada / INTRODUCTION: Studies which report and compare clinical and videofluoroscopic swallowing assessment in children with suspected dysphagia are scarce. In the present study, we reported clinical signs and symptoms that may suggest alterations in the pharyngeal phase, noticed during the clinical assessment and videofluoroscopic findings of oral, pharyngeal and esophageal phases of swallowing; we identified clinical signs and symptoms associated with alterations in the pharyngeal phase; we identified clinical factors associated with clinical signs and symptoms that may suggest alterations in the pharyngeal phase and with videofluoroscopic findings of oral and pharyngeal phases; and we also verified the influence of age on such alterations. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data from clinical and videofluoroscopic swallowing assessment performed in 55 children with ages between 1 month and 7 years and 11 months. For the clinical assessment, the \"Protocol for Clinical Assessment of Pediatric Dysphagia\" was used. In the videofluoroscopy, alterations in oral, pharyngeal and esophageal phases were analyzed. For the statistical analysis, Chi-square Test and Fisher\'s Exact Test were used. RESULTS: Cervical auscultation alteration, cough, choking and oxygen desaturation were the most common clinical signs observed. Alterations in the oral phase were less frequent with thin liquid and more frequent with smooth puree consistency. Alterations in the pharyngeal phase were more frequent with thin liquid and less frequent with thickened liquid and smooth puree consistency. In esophageal phase, approximately half sample presented gastroesophageal reflux. Choking was associated with isolated laryngeal penetration with thin liquid. Prematurity and neurological disorders were associated with oxygen desaturation. Significant association between neurological disorders and alterations in oral phase and post-swallow residue in valleculae and pyriform sinuses were found. Gastroesophageal reflux was associated with respiratory distress. In the clinical assessment, children aged between 1-6 months showed less cervical auscultation and vocal quality alterations and more respiratory distress; those between 7-14 months presented more cervical auscultation alteration; those older than 1 year showed more vocal quality alteration. In the videofluoroscopy, children aged between 1-6 months showed less alterations in the oral phase and pharyngeal residue; those between 7-14 months showed more alterations in the pharyngeal phase with thin liquid; those between 15-36 months presented more alterations in the oral phase; those older than 37 months showed more alterations in the pharyngeal phase with smooth puree consistency; those older than 1 year presented more alterations in the oral phase and pharyngeal residue. CONCLUSIONS: The most common clinical signs and symptoms were cervical auscultation alteration, cough, choking and oxygen desaturation. Alterations in the oral and pharyngeal phases were related to different food consistencies. Choking was the only clinical sign associated with isolated laryngeal penetration with thin liquid. Oxygen desaturation was associated with prematurity and neurological disorders. Respiratory distress was associated with gastroesophageal reflux. Alterations in the oral phase and post-swallow residue in valleculae and pyriform sinuses were associated with neurological disorders. Differences for clinical signs related to age were verified. Alterations in the oral and pharyngeal phases which were not expected for age of the population studied were noticed

Objetivo: Verificar a concordância entre os resultados dos Testes de Emissão de Ar Nasal e de Hipernasalidade e os achados do exame de videofluorocopia no diagnóstico da disfunção velofaríngea, em indivíduos com fissura labiopalatina. Material e Método: A amostra foi constituída por 89 exames de videofluoroscopia e 89 escores dos Testes de Emissão de Ar Nasal e de Hipernasalidade, os quais foram interpretados ou como fechamento velofaríngeo consistente, ou como fechamento velofaríngeo inconsistente, ou como não fechamento velofaríngeo. Foram calculadas a sensibilidade, a especificidade e a concordância entre a interpretação dos achados dos testes perceptivos e os achados davideofluoroscopia. Resultados: Foram encontrados índices de sensibilidade e especificidade de 98% e 37%, respectivamente para o Teste de Emissão de Ar Nasal e de 96% e 63%, respectivamente para o Teste de Hipernasalidade. As porcentagens de concordância entre os escores do Teste de Emissão de Ar Nasal e os exames de videofluoroscopia e os do Teste de Hipernasalidade e os exames de videofluoroscopia para a categoria fechamento velofaríngeo consistente foi de 62% e 70%, respectivamente, para a de fechamento velofaríngeo inconsistente foi de 43% e 47%, respectivamente e para a de não fechamento velofaríngeo foi de 68% e 77%, respectivamente. Conclusão: Houve um bom nível de concordância entre os testes perceptivos e os exames de videofluoroscopia para as categorias fechamento velofaríngeo consistente e não fechamento velofaríngeo, mas não para a de fechamento velofaríngeo inconsistente. / Objetive: To determine the agreement between the results of the Nasal Air Emission and Hypernasality tests and the videofluoroscopy findings in the diagnosis of velopharyngeal dysfunction in individuals with cleft lip and palate. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of 89 scores of Nasal Air Emission and Hypernasality tests and 89 judgments of videofluoroscopy exam, which were interpreted as consistent velopharyngeal closure, or as inconsistent velopharyngeal closure, or as non velopharyngeal closure. The sensitivity, specificity and agreement between the interpretation of the results of the perceptual tests and the findings of the videofluoroscopy were calculated. Results: The rates found for sensitivity of Nasal Air Emission and Hypernasality tests were 98 and 96%, respectively, and the rates for specificity of Nasal Air Emission and Hypernasality tests were 37% and 63%, respectively. Regarding the percentages of agreement between the Nasal Air Emission test scores and the videofluoroscopy judgments, it was found agreement of 62% for the consistent velopharyngeal closure condition, 43% for the inconsistent velopharyngeal closure and 68% for the non velopharyngeal closure. Between the scores of Hypernasality test and videofluoroscopy judgments the agreement found was 70% for the consistent velopharyngeal closure condition, 47% for the inconsistent velopharyngeal closure and 77% for the non velopharyngeal closure. Conclusion: There was a good level of agreement between the perceptual tests and the videofluoroscopy judgments for the consistent velopharyngeal closure and non velopharyngeal closure conditions, but not for the inconsistent velopharyngeal closure.

A distonia é uma síndrome que consiste de contrações musculares involuntárias que resultam em movimentos distorcidos e repetitivos e/ou posturas anormais. O tratamento pode ser por farmacoterapia, com drogas anticolinérgicas ou com a injeção de toxina botulínica no grupo de músculos afetados. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a deglutição nos pacientes com distonia laríngea, antes e após o tratamento com a toxina botulínica. Nossa hipótese foi que a toxina botulínica modificaria a deglutição dos pacientes com distonia laríngea. Foram avaliados 17 indivíduos adultos, acima de 18 anos de idade, com diagnóstico clínico de distonia laríngea antes e após o tratamento com o uso de toxina botulínica do tipo A, e 20 indivíduos adultos saudáveis como controles. Os participantes foram submetidos à anamnese fonoaudiológica e avaliação videofluoroscópica da deglutição. Os pacientes com distonia foram avaliados antes e 30 dias após a injeção de toxina botulínica, guiada por eletromiografia. Na videofluoroscopia foram avaliadas 6 deglutições de 5mL, sendo 3 na consistência líquida (sulfato de bário 100%, e 3 na consistência pastosa (3g do espessante alimentar ThickenUp Clear, em 50 mL de sulfato de bário (100%) oferecidas em uma colher. A ordem das deglutições foi aleatória. Foram estudadas as fases oral e faríngea da deglutição, com registro de 30 quadros por segundo. Os pacientes com distonia laríngea apresentaram aumento de resíduos na região oral e em valécula e maior número de deglutições. Os pacientes apresentaram tempo de trânsito faríngeo (TTF) menor do que os controles (p<0,01), para os bolos nas consistências líquida e pastosa. O TTF foi menor após aplicação do que antes da aplicação da toxina botulínica, quando da deglutição do bolo pastoso. Portanto, concluiu-se que os pacientes com distonia laríngea, comparado a controles, têm trânsito mais rápido pela faringe, aumento de resíduos na região oral e em valécula e maior número de deglutições para o mesmo volume.Trinta dias após a aplicação da toxina botulínica foi observado diminuição da duração do trânsito pela faringe, com o bolo pastoso, e resposta tardia do movimento do osso hióide em relação à chegada do bolo na faringe. / Dystonia is a syndrome consisting of involuntary muscle contractions that result in distorted and repetitive movements and/or abnormal postures. Treatment may be by pharmacotherapy with anticholinergic drugs or with the injection of botulinum toxin in the affected muscle group. The aim of this study was to evaluate swallowing in patients with dystonia before and after treatment with botulinum toxin. Our hypothesis was that botulinum toxin modify the swallowing of patients with spastic dystonia. Seventeen adult subjects over the age of 18 years with clinically diagnosed dystonia were evaluated before and after treatment with botulinum toxin type A and compared to 20 healthy adults as controls. Participants underwent phonologic anamnesis and videofluoroscopy assessment of swallowing. Patients with dystonia were assessed before and 30 days after injection of botulinum toxin, guided by electromyography. In fluoroscopy, 6 swallows were evaluated of 5ml: 3 in a liquid consistency (100% barium sulfate) and 3 in a pasty consistency (3g of food thickener, ThickenUp Clear) in 50 mL of 100% barium sulfate, offered on a spoon. The oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing were studied from swallows of random order, with registration of 30 frames per second. Patients with dystonia showed an increase of residue in the oral region and vallecula and greater number of multiple swallows. Patients had less pharyngeal transit time (PTT) than controls (p<0.01) for boluses of liquid and pasty consistencies. PTT was lower after the application of botulinum toxin than before with the swallowing of a pasty bolus. It was concluded that patients with dystonia, compared to controls, have more rapid transit through the pharynx, increased residues in the oral region and vallecula and a greater number of swallows for the same volume. Thirty days after the botulinum toxin, it was observed a shorter pharyngeal transit time with paste bolus, and delayed hyoid movement response to bolus presence in pharynx.

INTRODUÇÃO: São poucos os estudos que descrevem e comparam as avaliações clínicas fonoaudiológica e videofluoroscópica da deglutição em crianças com suspeita de disfagia. Neste estudo, descrevemos os sinais e sintomas clínicos sugestivos de alterações na fase faríngea observados na avaliação clínica e os achados videofluoroscópicos das fases oral, faríngea e esofágica da deglutição; identificamos os sinais e sintomas clínicos associados à presença de alteração na fase faríngea; identificamos os fatores clínicos associados aos sinais e sintomas clínicos sugestivos de alterações na fase faríngea e aos achados videofluoroscópicos das fases oral e faríngea; e verificamos a influência da idade na presença dessas alterações. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva de dados de avaliações clínicas fonoaudiológicas e videofluoroscópicas da deglutição realizadas em 55 crianças de 1 mês a 7 anos e 11 meses de idade. Na avaliação clínica, utilizou-se o Protocolo para Avaliação Clínica da Disfagia Pediátrica. Na videofluoroscopia, analisaram-se alterações nas fases oral, faríngea e esofágica da deglutição. Para a análise estatística, foram utilizados os Testes de Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: A alteração na ausculta cervical, tosse, engasgo e dessaturação de oxigênio foram os sinais clínicos mais observados. As alterações de fase oral foram menos frequentes com líquido fino e mais frequentes com pastoso homogêneo. As alterações na fase faríngea foram mais frequentes com líquido fino e menos frequentes com líquido engrossado e pastoso homogêneo. Na fase esofágica, aproximadamente metade das crianças apresentou refluxo gastroesofágico. O engasgo associou-se à penetração laríngea isolada com líquido fino. A prematuridade e os problemas neurológicos associaram-se à dessaturação de oxigênio. Houve associação significativa entre problemas neurológicos e alteração de fase oral e resíduo em valécula e recessos piriformes após a deglutição. O refluxo gastroesofágico associou-se ao desconforto respiratório. Na avaliação clínica, as crianças de 1-6 meses de idade apresentaram menos alteração na ausculta cervical e na qualidade vocal e mais desconforto respiratório; as de 7-14 meses mais alteração na ausculta cervical; as maiores do que 1 ano mais alteração na qualidade vocal. Na videofluoroscopia, as crianças de 1-6 meses de idade apresentaram menos alterações na fase oral e resíduo faríngeo; as de 7-14 meses mais alterações na fase faríngea com líquido fino; as de 15-36 meses mais alterações na fase oral; as maiores do que 37 meses mais alterações na fase faríngea com pastoso homogêneo; as maiores do que 1 ano mais alterações na fase oral e resíduo faríngeo. CONCLUSÕES: Os sinais e sintomas clínicos mais observados foram alteração na ausculta cervical, tosse, engasgo e dessaturação de oxigênio. As alterações na fase oral e faríngea relacionaram-se à diferentes consistências alimentares. O engasgo foi o único sinal clínico associado à penetração laríngea isolada com líquido fino. A dessaturação de oxigênio associou-se à prematuridade e aos problemas neurológicos e o desconforto respiratório ao refluxo gastroesofágico. As alterações de fase oral e resíduo em valécula e recessos piriformes após a deglutição associaram-se aos problemas neurológicos. Constataram-se diferenças para os sinais clínicos relacionadas à idade. Observaram-se alterações nas fases oral e faríngea não esperadas para a idade na população estudada / INTRODUCTION: Studies which report and compare clinical and videofluoroscopic swallowing assessment in children with suspected dysphagia are scarce. In the present study, we reported clinical signs and symptoms that may suggest alterations in the pharyngeal phase, noticed during the clinical assessment and videofluoroscopic findings of oral, pharyngeal and esophageal phases of swallowing; we identified clinical signs and symptoms associated with alterations in the pharyngeal phase; we identified clinical factors associated with clinical signs and symptoms that may suggest alterations in the pharyngeal phase and with videofluoroscopic findings of oral and pharyngeal phases; and we also verified the influence of age on such alterations. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data from clinical and videofluoroscopic swallowing assessment performed in 55 children with ages between 1 month and 7 years and 11 months. For the clinical assessment, the \"Protocol for Clinical Assessment of Pediatric Dysphagia\" was used. In the videofluoroscopy, alterations in oral, pharyngeal and esophageal phases were analyzed. For the statistical analysis, Chi-square Test and Fisher\'s Exact Test were used. RESULTS: Cervical auscultation alteration, cough, choking and oxygen desaturation were the most common clinical signs observed. Alterations in the oral phase were less frequent with thin liquid and more frequent with smooth puree consistency. Alterations in the pharyngeal phase were more frequent with thin liquid and less frequent with thickened liquid and smooth puree consistency. In esophageal phase, approximately half sample presented gastroesophageal reflux. Choking was associated with isolated laryngeal penetration with thin liquid. Prematurity and neurological disorders were associated with oxygen desaturation. Significant association between neurological disorders and alterations in oral phase and post-swallow residue in valleculae and pyriform sinuses were found. Gastroesophageal reflux was associated with respiratory distress. In the clinical assessment, children aged between 1-6 months showed less cervical auscultation and vocal quality alterations and more respiratory distress; those between 7-14 months presented more cervical auscultation alteration; those older than 1 year showed more vocal quality alteration. In the videofluoroscopy, children aged between 1-6 months showed less alterations in the oral phase and pharyngeal residue; those between 7-14 months showed more alterations in the pharyngeal phase with thin liquid; those between 15-36 months presented more alterations in the oral phase; those older than 37 months showed more alterations in the pharyngeal phase with smooth puree consistency; those older than 1 year presented more alterations in the oral phase and pharyngeal residue. CONCLUSIONS: The most common clinical signs and symptoms were cervical auscultation alteration, cough, choking and oxygen desaturation. Alterations in the oral and pharyngeal phases were related to different food consistencies. Choking was the only clinical sign associated with isolated laryngeal penetration with thin liquid. Oxygen desaturation was associated with prematurity and neurological disorders. Respiratory distress was associated with gastroesophageal reflux. Alterations in the oral phase and post-swallow residue in valleculae and pyriform sinuses were associated with neurological disorders. Differences for clinical signs related to age were verified. Alterations in the oral and pharyngeal phases which were not expected for age of the population studied were noticed

O objetivo primário deste estudo foi identificar parâmetros anatômicos que permitissem ao cirurgião, durante o ato cirúrgico, localizar com o auxílio de fluoroscopia o centro de inserção do ligamento cruzado posterior (LCP) na tíbia. O objetivo secundário foi propor ao cirurgião um método reprodutível e seguro para realizar a perfuração do túnel tibial na cirurgia de reconstrução do LCP. Vinte joelhos de cadáveres frescos congelados foram, inicialmente, submetidos à tomografia computadorizada de alta resolução (TC). Os joelhos foram, a seguir, dissecados e a inserção tibial do LCP digitalizada por um sistema de rastreamento óptico. A digitalização óptica da inserção do LCP resultou em modelos tridimensionais que permitiram localizar o centroide virtual dessa inserção. Paralelamente à analise virtual, inseriu-se um fio de Kirschner (FK) no centro anatômico da inserção tibial do LCP sob visualização direta. Foi realizado exame fluoroscópico no plano sagital desta tíbia e o ponto correspondente à inserção do FK foi registrado na imagem. Os locais definidos como o centro do LCP, nos dois métodos, foram plotados em uma linha imaginária paralela à faceta tibial de inserção do mesmo. Para fins de referência, essa linha foi dividida em uma escala centesimal, tendo o seu ponto zero correspondente à margem anterior/proximal da faceta e o ponto 100, correspondente à margem posterior/distal da faceta. O centro do LCP esteve situado em um ponto correspondente a 70% da distância, a partir da borda anterior/proximal da faceta do LCP, quando tomada como referência uma imagem de fluoroscopia em perfil do joelho (plano sagital). Essa medida mostrou ser reprodutível e pode ser um parâmetro útil para orientar a perfuração e inserção do fio guia tibial na confecção do túnel tibial nas cirurgias de reconstrução do LCP. / The primary objective of this study was to determine the center of the anatomical tibial insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament in cadaver knees and correlate this point to anatomical references as seen on fluoroscopic images of the same specimens. We aimed to describe a reproducible and safe method to place the tibial tunnel at the most anatomical position during posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. Twenty fresh frozen cadaver knees were initially submitted to a high-resolution computadorized tomography (CT). Then, the knees were dissected and the PCL tibial insertion was digitalized with an optical tracking system. The optical digitalization of the PCL insertion resulted in tridimensional models that allowed the identification of the virtual centroid of this insertion. After the virtual analysis by CT scan, a Kirschner wire was inserted at the anatomical center of the PLC tibial insertion under direct visualization. Fluoroscopic views of the tibia on the sagittal plane were acquired and the correspondent point of the Kirschner wire insertion was registered. The points defined as the posterior cruciate ligament center by the two methods were plotted in an imaginary line parallel to the tibial facet of the PCL insertion. As a reference, this line was divided in a centesimal scale, with the zero point corresponding to the anterior/proximal margin of the facet and the 100-point, corresponding to the posterior/distal margin of the facet. The PCL center was found in one point corresponding to approximately 70% of the distance from the anterior/proximal border of the PCL facet when a lateral fluoroscopic image of the knee was utilized as a reference (sagittal plane). This measure was found to be consistently reproducible and may be a useful parameter to guide the positioning of the tibial guide wire during tibial tunnel drilling in posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions.

Introdução: A Videofluoroscopia da Deglutição (VFD) é um exame dinâmico e permite a avaliação de todo o processo da deglutição, entretanto, a maioria dos estudos publicados relata apenas alterações na orofaringe e transição faringoesofágica, não sendo rotina o estudo do esôfago. O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi verificar a prevalência de alterações na fase esofágica à VFD em pacientes com disfagia cervical. Métodos: Pacientes com queixa de disfagia cervical submetidos à Videofluoroscopia da Deglutição incluindo estudo esofágico entre maio de 2010 e maio de 2012 tiveram seus exames revisados retrospectivamente. Os pacientes foram classificados em dois grupos: Grupo I - sem diagnóstico etiológico pré-estabelecido e Grupo II – com diagnóstico de doença neurológica. Durante o exame os pacientes ingeriram três consistências de alimento (líquido, pastoso e sólido) contrastadas com sulfato de bário e 19 itens foram analisados segundo protocolo. A fase esofágica foi considerada alterada quando apenas um dos itens avaliados estivesse comprometido. Resultados: Trezentos e trinta e três (n=333) pacientes consecutivos foram estudados com 213 (64%) no Grupo I e 120 (36%) no Grupo II. Alterações esofágicas foram identificadas em 104 (31%) pacientes, sendo a prevalência maior no Grupo I (36,2%), principalmente, nos itens clareamento esofágico (16,9%) e contrações terciárias (16,4%). Pudemos observar que 12% dos indivíduos do Grupo I apresentaram somente alteração em fase esofágica. Conclusão: Avaliação da fase esofágica durante a Videofluoroscopia da Deglutição identificou alterações esofágicas em um terço dos pacientes com queixa de disfagia cervical, principalmente no grupo sem diagnóstico etiológico pré-estabelecido. / Introduction: Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) is a dynamic exam and allows the evaluation of the complete swallowing process. However, most published studies have only reported alterations in the oropharynx and pharyngoesophageal transition, leaving the analysis of the esophagus an under researched area. The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence of alterations in the esophageal phase thorough VFSS in patients with cervical dysphagia. Methods: Consecutive patients with cervical dysphagia who underwent VFSS including esophageal analysis between May 2010 and May 2012 had their exams retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified into two groups: Group I - without a pre-established etiological diagnosis and Group II - with neurological disease. During the exam, the patients ingested three different consistencies of food (liquid, pasty and solid) contrasted with barium sulfate and 19 items were analyzed according to a protocol. The esophageal phase was considered abnormal when at least one of the evaluated items was compromised. Results: Three hundred and thirty-three (n = 333) consecutive patients were studied - 213 (64%) in Group I and 120 (36%) in Group II. Esophageal alterations were found in 104 (31%) patients, with a higher prevalence in Group I (36,2%), especially on the items esophageal clearance (16,9%) and tertiary contractions (16,4%). It was observed that 12% of individuals in Group I only presented alterations on the esophageal phase. Conclusion: Evaluation of the esophageal phase of swallowing during VFSS detects abnormalities in patients with cervical dysphagia, especially in the group without pre-established etiological diagnosis.

In this work several algorithms for diaphragm detection in 2D views of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) raw data are developed. These algorithms are tested on 21 Siemens megavoltage CBCT scans of lungs and the result is compared against the diaphragm apex identified by human experts. Among these algorithms dynamic Hough transform is sufficiently quick and accurate for motion determination prior to radiation therapy. The diaphragm was successfully detected in all 21 data sets, even for views with poor image quality and confounding objects. Each CBCT scan analysis (200 frames) took about 38 seconds on a 2.66 GHz Intel quad-core 2 CPU. The average cranio-caudal position error was 1.707 ± 1.117 mm. Other directions were not assessed due to uncertainties in expert identification.

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<p>Minimally invasive operations have gained popularity over open surgical procedures in the recent years. These procedures, require the surgeon to perform highly specialized tasks including manipulation of tools through small incisions on the surface of the skin while looking at the images that are displayed on a screen. Therefore, effective training is required for the surgeons prior to performing such procedures on patients.</p> <p>In this thesis I explored a novel idea for creating a training system for arthroscopic surgery. Previously obtained CT images of a patient model and the surgical tools are manipulated to create a library of fluoroscopy images. The surgical tools are tracked (a mechanical tracker and an electromagnetic tracker used in each iterations) in order to generate a spacial relationship between the patient model and the surgical tools. The position and orientation information from the tracking system is translated into the image coordinate frame. These homologous points in the two images (of surgical tools and the patient model), are used to co-register and overlay the two images and create a virtual fluoroscopy image.</p> <p>The output image and the system performance was found to be very good and quite similar to that of a fluoroscopy system. The registration accuracy was evaluated using Root Mean Square Target Registration Error (RMS TRE). The RMS TRE for the system setup with the mechanical tracker was evaluated at 2:0 mm, 2:1 mm, and 2:5 mm, for 4, 5, and 6 control points, respectively. In the system setup with the electromagnetic tracking system the RMS TRE was evaluated at 7:6 mm, 12:4 mm, and 11:3 mm, for 5, 7, and 9 control points, respectively. The acceptable range of error for arthroscopy procedures has been proposed to be 1-2 mm.</p> <p>It was concluded that by using a tracking system, which is not prone to interference and allows for a wide range of motion this system can be completed to the point of manufacturing and use in training new surgeons.</p> / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

No / Cardiac x-ray detectors are used to acquire moving images in real-time for angiography and interventional procedures. Detective quantum efficiency (DQE) is not generally measured on these dynamic detectors; the required “for processing” image data and control of x-ray settings have not been accessible. By 2016, USA hospital physicists will have the ability to measure DQE and will likely utilize the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard for measuring DQE of dynamic x-ray imaging devices. The current IEC standard requires an image of a tilted tungsten edge test object to obtain modulation transfer function (MTF) for DQE calculation. It specifies the range of edge angles to use; however, it does not specify a preferred method to determine this angle for image analysis. The study aimed to answer the question “will my choice in method impact my results?” Four different established edge angle determination methods were compared to investigate the impact on DQE. Methods: Following the IEC standard, edge and flat field images were acquired on a cardiac flat-panel detector to calculate MTF and noise power spectrum, respectively, to determine DQE. Accuracy of the methods in determining the correct angle was ascertained using a simulated edge image with known angulations. Precision of the methods was ascertained using variability of MTF and DQE, calculated via bootstrapping. Results: Three methods provided near equal angles and the same MTF while the fourth, with an angular difference of 6%, had a MTF lower by 3% at 1.5 mm−1 spatial frequency and 8% at 2.5 mm−1; corresponding DQE differences were 6% at 1.5 mm−1 and 17% at 2.5 mm−1; differences were greater than standard deviations in the measurements. Conclusions: DQE measurements may vary by a significant amount, depending on the method used to determine the edge angle when following the IEC standard methodology for a cardiac x-ray detector. The most accurate and precise methods are recommended for absolute assessments and reproducible measurements, respectively. / Funded by Philips Healthcare, NL, and a University of Leeds Career Development Bursery.