Magnetic resonance sleep studies in the evaluation of children with obstructive sleep apnea

Magnetic resonance (MR) sleep studies have been shown to be a useful tool in the evaluation and surgical planning of children with persistent obstructive sleep apnea. MR sleep studies include sequences to evaluate both static anatomic and well as dynamic motion information about the airway. The combination of the information about anatomic abnormalties and patterns of collapse can help in surgical decision making. The most common identified entities include recurrent enlargement of the adenoid tonsils, enlargement of the lingual tonsils, abnormal soft palate, glossoptosis, and hypopharyngeal collapse. This review discusses multiple aspects of MR sleep studies including indications, patient preparation, MR protocols, and commonly made diagnoses.