Early assessment of aspiration risk in acute stroke by fiberoptic endoscopy in critically ill patients.

Background: Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) has been recommended to assess aspiration in stroke. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic and prognostic roles of FEES in the early assessment of aspiration, intensive care unit (ICU) stay and mortality in acute stroke patients.

Methods: Fifty-two patients with acute stroke admitted to the Alexandria Main University Hospital were included.