Abstract
In this study, bolus passage through the pharynx
and the mechanism that causes laterality of bolus
passage were examined in 29 dysphagic patients
with Wallenberg’s syndrome (63±10 years). Videofluorography
was taken to visualize the bolus
passage. For the purposes of analysis, the pharynx
was divided into the thyropharyngeal portion and
the cricopharyngeal portion. The period after disease
onset of the cases with bolus passage dominantly
on the affected side in the thyropharyngeal
portion was significantly shorter than that of
cases with bolus passage on both sides. The period
was not different among the passage sides in
the cricopharyngeal portion significantly. The
bolus passages in the cricopharyngeal portion
were significantly associated with the passages in
the thyropharyngeal portion. Passage of the bolus
dominantly on the affected side in the thyropharyngeal
portion may be attributed to the asymmetric
contraction of the pharynx caused by the
paralysis of the pharyngeal constrictor. Together,
the bolus passage in the thyropharyngeal portion
and the open status of the cricopharyngeal portion
presumably determine the path that the bolus
takes in the cricopharyngeal portion.
