Evaluation of the Dynamics of the Tongue Using 320-row Area Detector CT for Patients with Tongue Resection

Abstract

Accurate evaluation of tongue dynamics and rehabilitation planning is necessary for dysphagia associated with tongue resection to improve the quality of life. Videofluoroscopic study（VF） is presently the standard procedure for dysphagia evaluation. However, it is difficult to evaluate the 3-dimensional tongue dynamics. In this study, we tried to evaluate tongue dynamics using 320-row area detector computed tomography（320-ADCT）. The subjects were two patients with tongue resection and free-flap reconstruction performed at the Oral Cancer Center of Tokyo Dental College. Evaluations were done 1 week before the operation and 1 month after the operation. On the affected side and the healthy side respectively, contact time between the tongue dorsum and palate and contact time between the tongue base and posterior pharyngeal wall were used as measurement items. As a result, regarding the measurement items, case 1 showed no difference between before and after the operation. However, case 2 showed a difference in the affected side and the healthy side before and after the operation. In conclusion, it was possible to visually and quantitatively observe the relationship between the tongue and palate, and posterior pharyngeal wall. It is suggested that 320-ADCT can be used for evaluating tongue dynamics after tongue resection.