A modification of the modified barium swallow

The ability of 64 patients and 7 normal adult subjects to swallow 2 cc (1/2 teaspoon) and 30 cc (gulp from cup) amounts of radiopaque liquid was tested. Bolus size had no influence on the swallowing ability of the normal subjects. However, six of the patients aspirated on the gulp but not on the teaspoon swallows, and three patients aspirated on the teaspoon swallows but not on the gulp. These findings support the need for continued experimental testing of the modified barium swallow protocol if its clinical utility is to be enhanced further.