Objective
To evaluate the effects of etidronate disodium on bone and soft tissue, especially on bone mineral density, and mucosal changes of the aorta and esophagus. Method: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 separate groups: one with etidronate disodium and one without etidronate disodium. Bone mineral density (BMD) in lumbar vertebrae, femur, and a simple X-ray of the whole body were obtained. The abdominal aorta and esophagus were assessed histopathologically in post treatment. Results: In post treatment for 12 weeks, the extent of decrease in BMD of the group with etidronate disodium was less than that of the group without etidronate disodium (p＜0.05). There was no evidence of aorta and heart valve calcification in the simple X-ray, nor was there intima-media thickening, atheroma formation and calcification in aorta and esophageal irritation findings in pathologic examinations in both groups. Conclusion: The results suggested that etidronate disodium had an inhibitory effect on bone mineral loss and had the esophageal tolerability and safety, but no difference in aorta calcification and antiarthrogenic effects, including aorta wall thickness in this study. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2006; 30: 496-501)

Objective: The purpose was to investigate the characteristics of oropharyngeal dysphagia and videofluoroscopic study (VFSS) findings in esophageal diseases.

Method: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical characteristics and VFSS findings in thirteen patients with esophageal cancer and stricture. Videofluoroscopic parameters of oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases were measured. Patients were divided into three groups according to their diseases: Group A, esophageal cancer with esophagectomy (5 patients); Group B, esophageal cancer with non-operative treatment (3 patients); and Group C, esophageal stricture with surgical treatment (5 patients).

Results: Group A had vocal cord palsy (VCP) after esophagectomy, and all patients showed poor laryngeal closure and aspiration during swallowing. Group B received radiation therapy prior to VFSS and showed poor laryngeal closure and high pharyngeal residue with aspiration during and after swallowing. Group C received esophagectomy with anastomosis of lower gastrointestinal tract (stomach, jejunum, colon). Most had VCP and showed high pharyngeal residue, stricture of upper esophageal sphincter, and poor oral control with aspiration during and after swallowing.

Conclusion: Characteristics of dysphagia on VFSS were poor laryngeal closure in operated esophageal cancer patients. In patients of non-operated esophageal cancer and esophageal stricture, high pharyngeal residue and poor laryngeal closure were characterized. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2003; 27: 978-983)