Jessica G. Zarzour, MD • Bonnie Martin-Harris, PhD • Jeanne Hill, MD

The modified barium swallow study (MBSS) is a videofluoroscopic imaging study used to evaluate oral and pharyngeal swallowing function and airway protection. The exam is typically performed by a radiologist together with a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The American College of Radiology (ACR) creates and periodically updates Practice Parameters and Technical Standards for various radiologic procedures, including the MBSS. The goal of these Practice Parameters is to “promote the safe and effective use of diagnostic and therapeutic radiology by describing specific training, skills, and techniques,” and to “narrow the variability among radiology practices and provide guidance to achieve quality in radiology.” In 2023, the ACR partnered with the Society of Pediatric Radiology (SPR) to update the MBSS Practice Parameter. The updated ACR-SPR Practice Parameter for the Performance of the Modified Barium Swallow Study is summarized herein.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Explain how the modified barium swallow study (MBSS), The Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP), and barium sulfate products are used to evaluate dysphagia
• State the clinical benefits and indications for the modified barium swallow study (MBSS);
• Detail the clinical benefit of standardized, validated protocols and commercially available barium sulfate products to reduce variability of the MBSS exam;
• Describe the technical and patient considerations associated with the MBSS;
• Implement the imaging protocol for a standardized MBSS examination;
• Demonstrate opportunities for improved communication between radiologists and speech-language pathologists.

This program has been supported through an educational grant from Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.