Comparison of drug-induced sleep endoscopy and lateral cephalometry in obstructive sleep apnea

To evaluate the association between findings from drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and lateral cephalometry in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional.

This was a consecutive series of subjects with OSA who underwent DISE and lateral cephalometry. DISE findings were characterized according to the region/degree of obstruction as well as the VOTE classification (velum, oropharyngeal lateral walls, tongue, and epiglottis). The primary measurements from lateral cephalometry images were sella-nasion-point A angle, sella-nasion-point B angle, distance from the posterior nasal spine-tip of palate, posterior airway space, and mandibular plane to hyoid (MPH) distance, although additional airway measurements were taken. Descriptive statistics summarized DISE and lateral cephalometry findings, and χ(2) and t tests examined potential associations between their findings.

Among the 55 subjects, most demonstrated velum-related obstruction, although obstruction related to other structures was also common. Lateral cephalometry findings were within population norms with the exception of an increased MPH and decreased airway 4 and airway 5 measurements. There was little association between DISE and lateral cephalometry findings, although significant associations were identified between tongue-related obstruction and airway measurements posterior to the tongue base.

DISE and lateral cephalometry are largely distinct airway evaluation techniques in OSA. The use of these techniques remains complementary.