ObjectiveTo provide a reference for the development of diagnostic and efficacy assessment criteria for ultrasound technology in post-stroke dysphagia.

MethodsThe distance between the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage at rest and the shortest distance between the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage during deglutition were observed using ultrasonography in 500 healthy adults.The shortening rate of the distance between the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage during deglutition was calculated.Fifty-six patients with post-stroke dysphagia were recruited for comprehensive rehabilitation treatment, and the same ultrasound examinations were also performed before and after treatment as described above.The shortening rate of hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage before and after treatment was compared with those of healthy adults.

ResultsThe shortest distance between the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage and the shortening rate of the distance between the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage were lower in patients with post-stroke dysphagia than those in healthy adults (P < 0.01).After treatment, the patients showed a (47.0±8.7)% increase in the distance between the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage compared with (27.5±6.2)% before treatment (t=13.66, P < 0.01).

ConclusionsUltrasound is able to quantify the shortening rate of hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage, which is significantly reduced in patients with post-stroke dysphagia.