About Lots to Swallow

The purpose of this website is to present critical muscular, nerve and cartilage anatomy in oropharyngeal dysphagia, oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, soft tissue tumors, Eagle’s and superior thyroid cornu syndrome with illustrative anatomy and cross-sectional imaging.  CT and MRI radiographic examples of oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OMD) are presented  as is the pathophysiology in enlarged cartilage and bones such as Eagle’s and superior thyroid cornu syndrome with a patient’s perspective for treatment inswallowing disorders, with list of patient resources.

The complex act of swallowing involves up to 30 nerves and muscles and 9 critical cartilages. Despite the fact that swallowing disorders or dysphagia are increasing in prevalence, with up to 1 out of 5 elderly adults affected, there is a paucity of dedicated  teaching atlases for radiologists and patients. Radiographic evaluation of pharyngolaryngeal pain or a globus sensation, with videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS), laryngeal endoscopy, and CT may be ineffective for assessing hyoid and styloid anatomy, and although laryngeal endoscopy visualizes the lumen it does not evaluate cartilaginous or muscle anatomy, and static neck CTs do not assess dynamic cartilage movements.

To improve   understanding this website was developed with a Core Education Seed Grant from The American Society of Head and Neck Radiology to create an educational website focusing on upper oropharyngeal muscular anatomy, utilized in swallowing with dynamic cross-sectional imaging studies, and include the often neglected and vitally important patient perspective, for those in need of resources with these disorders. This website presents anatomy associated with upper swallowing,  with imaging findings and presents critical muscular, cartilage, and soft tissue anatomy in oropharyngeal dysphagia, oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, Eagle’s and superior thyroid cornu syndromes and soft tissue findings in oropharyngeal cancer.  The website features illustrative anatomy and videos focusing on radiographic cross-sectional MRIs and CTs of upper oropharyngeal swallowing disorders.