Functional evaluation of swallowing in patients with tongue cancer before and after surgery using high-speed continuous magnetic resonance imaging based on T2-weighted sequences.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of evaluating the function of swallowing before and after surgery in patients with tongue cancer by using T2-weighted sequences of high-speed continuous magnetic resonance imaging (HSCMRI).

STUDY DESIGN: The imaging findings and related parameters on HSCMRI along with those on routine MRI examinations before and after surgery were examined in 19 patients with tongue cancer. In addition, changes in various parameters during 1 year after surgery were evaluated in 10 patients.

RESULTS: In most patients examined, the direction of flow to the esophagus could be seen on HSCMRI before and after surgery. Significant correlations were observed among 4 parameters and in the responses to a dysphagia questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that the dynamics of swallowing can be directly visualized on HSCMRI by using 4 parameters that permit the evaluation of changes before and after surgery, and this enables objective evaluation of patients' swallowing complaints.