Presentation
Recurrent aspiration and pneumonia.
Patient Data
Lateral and oblique images show the pooling of contrast in the pharynx with the aspiration of barium contrast into the airway and inside the bronchial tree.
No evidence of consolidation.
Prominent aortic arc with pressure effect on the thoracic oesophagal barium column.
Thoracic vertebral degenerative changes as endplate sclerosis and marginal osteophyte formation.
Case Discussion
The fluoroscopic study is the imaging modality of choice for the investigation of dysphagia.
It represents a good non-invasive, rapid and cost-effective diagnostic exam, and can show esophageal morphology, distensibility, and contractility.