Dysphagia in Inflammatory Muscle Diseases: Answering the Questions Who, Where, Why and What to Do?

using videofluoroscopy and manometry to investigate the mechanisms behind swallowing problems reported by patients with inflammatory muscle diseases Videofluoroscopy is a procedure where patients ingest radioopaque barium sulphaate mixed with small amounts of food/fluids. The procedure is x-rayed using a fluoroscope and recorded to allow frame-by-frame analysis of the swallowing dynamic. The procedure exposes patients to small amounts of ionising radiation (calculated as 0.2 milliseiverts). The Videofluoroscopy will be performed simulataneously with a manometric examination of the swallow. Participants have a purpose built manometric catheter (outside diameter 2.0 mm) inserted via the nares and positioned in the upper oesophageal sphincter. Recordings of upper oesophageal sphincter, oesophageal and pharyngeal pressures will be recorded. TOTAL time for both procedures =30 minutes approx.