Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

O Ekberg

Publications and source records attributed to O Ekberg.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Chewing and the dimension of the pharyngoesophageal segment.

Masticatory efficiency was evaluated in 21 adults for four chewing parameters: mixing of a color-patterned chewing gum mass, shaping of a chewing gum mass, particle reduction of a silicone tablet, and number of chewing strokes before the first swallow of an almond. The results of these tests were correlated with the dimension of the pharyngoesophageal (PE) segment during swallow of liquid barium and solid meat. The transverse width of the PE segment during swallow of liquid barium correlated significantly with the chewing parameters. The sagittal width of the PE segment during swallow of liquid barium correlated only weakly with the chewing parameters. The PE segment dimension during swallow of a solid meat bolus did not correlate with the chewing parameters. The results suggest that there is feedback during chewing and swallowing between the PE segment and the oral cavity.

Adult↗

The clinical importance of a thick-walled, tender gall-bladder without stones on ultrasonography.

Ultrasound examinations of 563 patients with right upper quadrant pain and a clinical suspicion of acute cholecystitis were reviewed. In 31 patients, a tender, dilated gall-bladder with a thick (more than 4 mm) partly hypoechoic wall without any detectable calculi was found on the emergency examination. This was interpreted as due to acute acalculous cholecystitis. None of the patients was critically ill. Twenty-one of the patients had follow-up studies with either oral cholecystography, cholangiography, or ultrasound. Fourteen of the 21 had gall-bladder calculi while seven did not. These seven patients presumably represent the true frequency (1.2%) of acute acalculous cholecystitis in this clinical setting. In five other patients with an initial diagnosis of acute acalculous cholecystitis the gall-bladder wall thickening probably was secondary to concomitant pancreatitis, appendicitis, hepatitis or peptic ulcer disease. A meticulous and careful search for gall-bladder calculi should be performed in the presence of a dilated, tender thick-walled gall-bladder.

Adult↗

A population based screening of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in a defined population of elderly men and its correlation to some risk factors were studied in the population cohort "men born in 1914 from Malmö". A total of 499 were invited to attend and 375 (75%) did so. The aorta could be visualised with ultrasound in 364 patients, 39 (10.7%) of whom had aneurysmal changes. The presence of an AAA was related to the findings at a general health examination undertaken 5 years previously. Tobacco and alcohol consumption, impaired lung function and a history of angina pectoris were related to the presence of an AAA. No relationship was found between an AAA and hypertension, hyperlipidaemia or hyperglycaemia. A decreased tissue elasticity as a common denominator for the lung function impairment and development of AAA is discussed.

Aged↗

Videofluoroscopy in elderly patients with aspiration: importance of evaluating both oral and pharyngeal stages of deglutition.

Oropharyngeal functional impairment increases with age so that radiologists frequently are asked to determine the cause of aspiration in elderly patients. Neuromuscular and cognitive impairment often make it difficult to perform and interpret videofluoroscopic deglutition examinations in these patients. We retrospectively reviewed the barium swallow examinations in 50 elderly patients (mean age, 87 years) who were known to aspirate. We looked for specific patterns of oropharyngeal dysfunction that resulted in bolus misdirection. Analysis revealed that aspiration was due to abnormalities of the oral stage in 23, pharyngeal stage in 10, and both stages in 17. Dysfunction in the oral stage was due to ingestion of large volumes or rapid acquisition rates in nine, failure of containment during processing (bolus manipulation) in 18, and dissociation of lingual delivery and swallowing initiation in the transitional phase in 13. Dysfunction in the pharyngeal stage was due to incomplete transport (bolus retention) in 21 and defective closure of the laryngeal vestibule in 11. No significant relationship between conditions known to cause oropharyngeal dysfunction (dementia, stroke, Parkinson disease, disuse deconditioning) and the specific pattern of dysfunction was identified. These results indicate that an accurate and valid assessment of oropharyngeal dysfunction in elderly patients with aspiration is possible if specific patterns of dysfunction are sought. Our study indicates the importance of evaluating the oral and pharyngeal stages of deglutition in elderly patients who aspirate.

Aged↗

Altered swallowing function in elderly patients without dysphagia: radiologic findings in 56 cases.

Swallowing disorder is an increasing problem in our aging population. A majority of these patients have a functional abnormality of the oral, pharyngeal, and/or esophageal stage of swallowing. However, what constitutes normalcy is not well understood, and baseline swallowing in elderly persons without dysphagia has not been adequately described. We therefore evaluated 56 persons with a mean age of 83 years who had no symptoms of dysphagia or eating difficulty. Videofluoroscopy and radiographs with the subject erect and recumbent were obtained. Normal deglutition, as defined in young persons, was present in only 16%. Oral abnormalities (difficulty ingesting, controlling, and delivering bolus relative to swallowing initiation) were seen in 63%. Pharyngeal dysfunction (bolus retention and lingual propulsion or pharyngeal constrictor paresis) was seen in 25%. Pharyngoesophageal segment abnormalities were observed in 39% (mostly cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction). Esophageal abnormalities (mostly motor in nature) were observed in 36%. What has been described as swallowing dysfunction in young persons may not be abnormal in very elderly persons. It is difficult to distinguish the effect of normal aging from the effects of specific diseases or gradual degenerative changes.

Aged↗

Nonvisualized gallbladder on oral cholecystography: implications for lithotripsy.

Currently, most protocols evaluating the efficacy of gallstone lithotripsy require a visualized gallbladder on oral cholecystography (OCG). The primary purpose of the OCG is to establish that the cystic duct is patent. When the gallbladder is visualized on OCG, it can also be used to number and size gallstones accurately. Patients with non-visualization of the gallbladder on OCG are excluded from consideration for lithotripsy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the ultrasonographic findings (i.e., number and sizes of stones in 32 patients with nonvisualization on the OCG). In 11 patients (34%) ultrasound (US) did not detect any stone, and it is presumed that the gallbladder failed to visualize for other reasons. Six patients (19%) had one or two stones and 15 (47%) patients had more than three stones. This suggests that 20% of patients with nonvisualization of the gallbladder on OCG would otherwise be eligible for lithotripsy provided that patency of the cystic duct can be demonstrated by other means, such as computed tomographic (CT) examination with oral biliary contrast or cholescintigraphy.

Cholecystography↗

Neuropeptide-containing nerve fibers in the pharynx of the rabbit.

The distribution of peptide-containing nerve fibers in the pharyngeal region of rabbits was studied by immunocytochemistry. Neuropeptide Y (NPY)-containing fibers were numerous around blood vessels and moderate in number among bundles of striated muscle fibers. A few NPY-containing fibers were seen around seromucous glands and beneath the epithelium. Nerve fibers containing vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were numerous around seromucous glands and moderate in number around blood vessels, bundles of muscle, and in the subepithelial layer. A few nerve fibers containing substance P (SP) were seen around blood vessels, seromucous glands, among bundles of muscle, and in the subepithelial layer. Nerve fibers containing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were numerous. They were distributed close to blood vessels, among bundles of muscle, in the subepithelial layer, and within the epithelium. A conspicuous finding was the occurrence of CGRP within motor end plates of striated muscle.

Animals↗

Topographic representation of the pharyngoesophageal segment during swallowing.

Motility of the pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) was monitored by cineradiography (50 frames a second) during barium swallow and analyzed by a computerized topographic mapping of sagittal wall motion. Through measurement of wall displacement on 20 consecutive levels of the PES, distention, contraction, and peristalsis were studied. Topographic mapping of three patients with normal PES motility, delayed opening of the cricopharyngeus, and incomplete opening of the cricopharyngeus, was performed. These topographic mappings show that "narrowing" at the level of the cricopharyngeus reflects expansion of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus around the cricopharyngeus, rather than a true narrowing. In addition, analysis of wall motion demonstrated that abnormality of the circopharyngeus is often associated with abnormality of wall motion in the adjoining hypopharynx and cervical esophagus. Thus, topographic mapping of the cricopharyngeus is of value because it enables detailed analysis of wall motion during various pathologic conditions.

Cineradiography↗

Cricopharyngeal myotomy in the treatment of dysphagia.

Cricopharyngeal myotomy was performed on 60 patients suffering from cervical oesophageal dysphagia. Of 37 that had a Zenker diverticulum the diverticulum was excised in 24. All patients were free of symptoms on post-operative follow-up at 2-10 years. In 10 patients with a cervical oesophageal web or postcricoid stenosis, the ability to eat normal food was restored. In 7 of 9 patients with neuromuscular diseases affecting swallowing and 2 of 4 patients with cricopharyngeal achalasia, food intake improved after myotomy. Apart from 4 transient palsies of the left recurrent nerve and 2 patients with aspiration pneumonia, no serious complications occurred. Cricopharyngeal myotomy can be a safe and effective method to improve the swallowing and quality of life of patients suffering from cervical oesophageal dysphagia of varied aetiology.

Adult↗

Deglutition after near-fatal choking episode: radiologic evaluation.

Acute airway obstruction during oral intake is a relatively common event that may be fetal if not relieved immediately. Deglutition was studied in 75 individuals who had experienced a near-fatal choking episode (NFCE) or sudden inability to breathe during food intake that was promptly relieved by means of a Heimlich maneuver, suctioning, or intubation. Videofluoroscopy supplemented by static imaging revealed abnormal stages of deglutition in 58 individuals: oral, 32; pharyngeal, 19; pharyngoesophageal segment (PES), 28; and esophageal, 23. Forty individuals aspirated a liquid bolus; this was more often due to oral dysfunction (bolus leakage, n = 17; delayed initiation, n = 18) than pharyngeal abnormality (defective closure, n = 13; incomplete transport, n = 9). Oral-stage dysfunction was common in those with neurologic disease, a history of dysphagia, and structural or motor abnormalities of the PES or esophagus. Fourteen patients were able to vocalize during the NFCE, and each demonstrated an abnormality of the PES or esophagus that could obstruct a solid bolus, suggesting that symptoms were not due to airway obstruction. A variety of unsuspected deglutition abnormalities were documented, indicating the usefulness of radiographic evaluation after NFCE.

Adult↗

Intact stones or fragments? Potential pitfalls in the imaging of patients after biliary extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

Ultrasound is used after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of gallbladder stones to assess fragmentation. In many patients with apparently successful fragmentation, the posttreatment studies show an intraluminal, echogenic focus within the gallbladder, with posterior acoustic shadowing characteristic of an intact stone. Cholesterol gallstones were fragmented in vitro by means of lithotripsy, and the sonographic appearance of the fragmented stones was followed up over time to study factors that might affect the process. After lithotripsy, fragments settled and produced an echogenic focus with posterior shadowing indistinguishable from the appearance of an intact stone. These experimental observations led to the development of a clinical maneuver to overcome the diagnostic pitfalls posed by the reaggregation of stone fragments in situ. This rollover maneuver helps distinguish between intact stones and fragments, and prevents both diagnostic errors in follow-up and unnecessary retreatment.

Cholelithiasis↗

Internal hemorrhoids: diagnosis with double-contrast barium enema examinations.

The authors retrospectively studied 43 patients suspected of having internal hemorrhoids at double-contrast barium enema examination. At endoscopy, 24 patients (56%) had internal hemorrhoids, four (9%) had other pathologic lesions in the rectum without evidence of hemorrhoids, and 15 (35%) had no reported abnormalities in the rectum. Internal hemorrhoids were found at endoscopy in 10 of 20 patients (50%) with lobulated folds extending 3 cm or less from the anorectal junction and 10 of 13 patients (77%) with multiple submucosal nodules. However, no patients with these characteristic radiographic findings were found to have other pathologic lesions in the rectum that had been mistaken for hemorrhoids at barium enema examination. Conversely, three of four patients with lobulated folds extending more than 3 cm from the anorectal junction and one of six patients with solitary nodules had proctitis or rectal neoplasms. Thus, specific criteria are suggested for the diagnosis of internal hemorrhoids on double-contrast barium enema examinations. Suspected hemorrhoids that do not fulfill these criteria should be evaluated endoscopically to rule out other more serious pathologic lesions in the rectum.

Barium Sulfate↗

Motility studies.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Deglutition↗

Ultrasonographic screening of the abdominal aorta among siblings of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms.

To evaluate the prevalence of abdominal aortic dilatations among asymptomatic brothers and sisters of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), an ultrasonographic screening study was performed. One hundred and two siblings of patients operated on for AAAs at two Swedish hospitals were invited to attend, and 87 of them (35 men and 52 women) from 32 different families, accepted the invitation. Their median age was 63 years (range 39-82 years). Aortic dilatation was diagnosed in ten of the brothers (29 per cent) and three of the sisters (6 per cent). In ten cases (eight men and two women) there was a localized dilatation caudal to the coeliac axis, and in three a general dilatation of the abdominal aorta with the diameter at the coeliac axis greater than 29 mm. None of the aortic dilatations had been known before this study was performed. The conclusion is that the prevalence of asymptomatic aortic dilatations among brothers of patients with AAAs seems to be high and that this group should be selected for further screening studies.

Adult↗

Determining normal bolus size for thin liquids.

In order to define a suitable volume of barium to be delivered to patients during the radiographic evaluation of pharyngoesophageal function during swallowing, three different age groups of nondysphagic volunteers were studied. Subjects randomly swallowed boluses of water, barium, and Coca-Cola. The size of a normal thin liquid bolus was 21 ml (SD +/- 5 ml). We intend to include this information to compare different bolus sizes in cineradiographic examination of patients with swallowing complaints.

Cineradiography↗

Graphic representation of pharyngeal wall motion during swallow: technical note.

Movements of the pharyngeal wall were measured at 12 transverse levels, on consecutive cineradiograms obtained during swallowing of thin, liquid barium, in a single nondysphagic volunteer. By graphic representation of these measurements on the IBM personal computer, it was possible to analyze in detail pharyngeal motor activity in terms of displacement of the pharyngeal wall. The contraction created a fairly steep narrowing of the lumen. The peristaltic wave was more difficult to analyze. Movements of the pharyngeal wall in posteroanterior projection gave good information about the constrictors. Although this technique has several inherent methodologic difficulties, its use may expand our knowledge of pharyngeal peristalsis.

Cineradiography↗

Pharyngeal function after carotid endarterectomy.

Neurologic deficiencies, with special reference to pharyngeal function, were studied prospectively in 12 patients before and after they underwent carotid endarterectomy. Pharyngeal function was monitored with cineradiography. Five patients developed pharyngeal dysfunction: defective closure of the laryngeal vestibule, epiglottic dysmotility, and pharyngeal constrictor paresis 1 week postoperatively. In 2 patients this dysfunction remained, while in 3 it had resolved 4 weeks after the operation. Pharyngeal dysfunction was more common in patients with preoperative minor stroke and a temporary perioperative carotid shunt and in patients with a long operation time. The registered transient pharyngeal dysfunction may be due to manipulation of the cervical structures including the vagus nerve and the pharynx or due to cerebrovascular damage during the operation. Our findings support careful monitoring of postoperative oral finding in patients at risk.

Adult↗

Ultrasound screening of the abdominal aorta in patients with intermittent claudication.

The presence of abdominal aortic dilatations and aneurysms (AAA) among 372 patients (302 men and 70 women) who originally presented with intermittent claudication was studied. The cohort was analysed in two ways, first retrospectively from the date of diagnosis of intermittent claudication until 1st of August 1985 (mean follow-up time being 70 months), second those alive at that date and who had not been operated on were offered ultrasound screening of their aorta. Retrospectively nine male patients were found to have had an operation for an aneurysm, one because of a rupture. Of the 110 patients who died and had not had surgery, 88 (73 men, 15 women) were autopsied and AAA was found at autopsy in six males and one female. Two males died of rupture. Ultrasonographic screening of the abdominal aorta was performed in 183 patients (147 men and 36 women) and dilatation was found in 25 patients (24 men, 1 woman). In the male part of the total material (n = 257) there were 39 patients (15%) with aneurysm or dilatation. Male patients with AAA or dilated aortas were significantly heavier, with a lower ankle arm index and higher serum cholesterol values than patients without AAA or aortic dilatation.

Adult↗