Imaging the breastfeeding swallow: Pilot study utilizing real-time MRI.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Knowledge of the breastfeeding swallow is limited by practical challenges. Radiation exposure to both mother and infant and the radiolucent properties of breastmilk make videofluoroscopy an unsuitable imaging modality. Furthermore, ultrasound is not ideal for capturing the complex 3-dimensional functional anatomy of swallowing. In this study we explore the feasibility of using real-time MRI to capture the breastfeeding swallow.

Methods

Prospective observational study: Review of imaging from 12 normal infants (<5 months of age) and their mothers while breastfeeding using real-time MRI.

Results

Static images were successfully captured in 11 infants and dynamic images in nine infants. This imaging modality confirms the dorsal surface of the infant's tongue elev

SUBMITTER: Mills N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7314469 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature