Abstract
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to determine the shape and area of the pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) during swallowing using 320-row area detector computed tomography, which can acquire a volume data set covering a 16-cm area in a single rotation.
Methods:
Twenty healthy subjects were scanned during swallowing 3, 10, and 20 mL of honey-thick barium (5% w/v). PES was identified using cross-sectional images of 0.5-mm slice thickness, and the area in each section was measured.
Results:
The PES opening area and the anteroposterior and lateral diameters of the PES were volume dependent. However, there was no statistical difference in anteroposterior and lateral diameters between 3- and 10-mL bolus swallowing.
Conclusions:
Three hundred twenty–row area detector computed tomography provided new information about PES. This technique will facilitate further understanding of the mechanisms of PES opening and swallowing physiology.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.