The effects of sarcopenic dysphagia on the dynamics of swallowing organs observed on videofluoroscopic swallowing studies

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was (a) to determine the relationship of videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) findings of the swallowing musculature with the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenic dysphagia and (b) to examine the usefulness of VFSS for diagnosing sarcopenic dysphagia. METHODS: The participants were 132 patients (mean age, 80.4 ± 8.8 years). Their skeletal muscle mass, nutritional status and swallowing functions as assessed by VFSS findings were measured. Also, the relationship between the VFSS findings and sarcopenia was examined. RESULTS: Of all the participants, 20 men (mean age, 83.2 ± 6.9 years) and 27 women (mean age, 85.3 ± 6.9 years) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. In men, the amount of laryngeal upward movement (ALUM) was significantly lower and the pharyngeal area was significantly wider in the sarcopenia group than in the non‐sarcopenia group. In women, the pharyngeal area was significantly wider in the sarcopenia group than in the non‐sarcopenia group. In a logistic regression model, ALUM (odds ratio [OR] 1.135, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.037‐1.241, P = .006) and pharyngeal area (OR 0.028, 95% CI 0.001‐0.670, P = .027) was a significant independent factor for the presence or absence of sarcopenia. CONCLUSIONS: The decline in swallowing function of sarcopenia patients was characterised by lower laryngeal movement and enlargement of the pharyngeal cavity due to decreased skeletal muscle mass and decreased muscle strength. The present study suggested the usefulness of measuring ALUM during swallowing and measuring the pharyngeal area with VFSS as indicators of decreased swallowing muscle function in sarcopenia.