Abstract
A retrospective study of videofluorography in patients with an abnormal sensation in the throat was performed. We focused on the findings related to aspiration, pharyngeal clearance, and the presence of an esophageal web, cricopharyngeal bar, pharyngeal pouch, esophageal diverticula, or a cervical osteophyte. The patients consisted of 126 males and 118 females. Aspiration was found in 13 cases (5.1%). Decreased pharyngeal clearance reached 36.5% more frequently in males. An esophageal web was found in 12.3% of patients. A cricopharyngeal bar, pharyngeal pouch, esophageal diverticulum and a cervical osteophyte were identified in 5.7%, 4.9%, 3.3%, and 16.8% of the patients, respectively. These results showed that functional dysfunction or organic lesions in the pharyngolaryngeal region might be responsible for an abnormal sensation in the throat. We emphasize the importance of videofluorographic examinations for patients complaining of an abnormal sensation in the throat.
