Diagnosis of Sarcopenic Dysphagia Using Ultrasonography

Sarcopenia is an age-related condition which is characterized by a decrease in the mass and function of skeletal muscle and can affect the muscles of the trunk and extremities and the muscles to be used in swallowing.Early diagnosis and appropriate intervention of sarcopenic dysphagia is very crucial for older adults.Sarcopenic dysphagia can be diagnosed by measuring the function, strength, and mass of the affected muscle.In addition, dietary function assessments, functional eating scales and food swallow level scales, video fluoroscopic assessments, and electromyography or manometry can be used to diagnose the sarcopenic dysphagia.Although studies have been published using ultrasound to determine the amount and function of muscle in the body and physical function in sarcopenia, few studies have used ultrasound to diagnose sarcopenia.This paper aims to introduce the use of ultrasonography to assess sarcopenic dysphagia and suggest future research directions.