Which radiographic views are recommended for evaluation of dysphagia/regurgitation?

• A. Three View Survey Thoracic Radiographs
• B. Cervical Survey Radiographs
• C. Abdominal Radiographs
• D. All of the Above

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that evaluating dysphagia or regurgitation often requires a full, regional approach to imaging, because problems can occur anywhere along the path from the mouth and pharynx through the esophagus to the stomach. Cervical survey radiographs target the pharynx and cranial esophagus, where issues like cricopharyngeal dysfunction, foreign bodies, or vascular ring anomalies can occur and be visible. The thoracic views (the three-view thoracic radiographs) are essential for assessing the thoracic esophagus and mediastinal structures, helping to detect megaesophagus, strictures, masses, hiatal hernia, or signs of aspiration risk. Abdominal radiographs extend the evaluation to the stomach and proximal GI tract, providing context for reflux, gastric distention, or other abdominal causes that might contribute to regurgitation or complicate swallowing problems. Because each region can reveal different abnormalities and some conditions are only evident in a specific area, using all three sets of views gives the most complete assessment of dysphagia/regurgitation.