Comparison between dysphagia aortica and dysphagia after cardiac surgery using videofluoroscopic swallowing studies

Dysphagia aortica (DA) and dysphagia after cardiac surgery (DACS) are principally classified as esophageal dysphagia. The purpose of this study was to compare the swallowing dysfunction of DA and DACS patients using videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS). Data of patients diagnosed with DA or DACS who had undergone VFSS were reviewed retrospectively. Twenty-two patients with DA and ten patients with DACS were included, and Penetration–Aspiration Scale (PAS), Functional Dysphagia Scale (FDS), and esophageal transit time (ETT) were assessed. Swallowing impairment in oral and pharyngeal phases shown by PAS and FDS scores did not differ between the two groups. ETT was extended in two groups, and the pure aortic segment time was significantly delayed in the DA patients only (P = 0.045). Compared with healthy individuals in previous studies, both groups showed normal PAS and higher FDS scores, and longer ETT. Both the DA and DACS patients had some oropharyngeal and prominent esophageal dysphagia. Further studies are needed to determine the extent of changes by performing preoperative and postoperative VFSS in patients with aortic or cardiac diseases scheduled for elective, non-emergency surgery.