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Evaluating the upper airway with standardized magnetic resonance imaging
Boris A Stuck1, Julian Köpke, Joachim T Maurer
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Germany. boris.stuck@hno.ma.uni-heidelberg.de
The Laryngoscope
|August 1, 2002
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can reliably measure upper airway anatomy. A standardized protocol ensures stable and reproducible results over time and between investigators for upper airway assessments.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Anatomy
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) presents potential advantages for upper airway assessment.
- Accurate measurement of upper airway soft tissue morphology is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify measurable anatomical parameters of the upper airway using MRI.
- To assess the stability and reproducibility of these parameters over time and across different investigators.
- To develop a standardized MRI protocol for upper airway measurements.
Main Methods:
- Prospective clinical trial involving 24 MRI scans on six healthy subjects over 4 weeks.
- Evaluation of parameters including tongue dimensions, volumes, airway spaces, and soft palate dimensions.
- Assessment of variations due to time, investigators, and repeated analysis.
Main Results:
- High stability and reproducibility were observed for all measured upper airway parameters.
- No significant influence of the time of day on the results was found.
- An abbreviated method for tongue volume evaluation was developed, utilizing 4mm slices for high-quality images within a maintainable acquisition time.
Conclusions:
- MRI enables the reliable definition and measurement of various upper airway anatomical parameters.
- A standardized protocol was developed, demonstrating the stability and reproducibility of these measurements.
- Standardized protocols are essential for comparing results across centers and evaluating therapeutic interventions.