Use of modified barium swallow study to measure posterior airway space in obstructive sleep apnea

Conclusion Measurement of the posterior airway space (PAS) using modified barium swallow (MBS) appears to correlate well with CT imaging. This data suggests MBS may be a low-cost alternative imaging modality to assess obstructive sleep apnea patients. Objectives Obstructive sleep apnea research has focused on imaging modalities that supplement polysomnography in evaluation of potential sites of airway obstruction. While several techniques have been used to assess the PAS, many incur significant costs and risks to the patient. This study proposes use of MBS as a simple modality to measure PAS. Advantages include its simplicity, lower radiation, and dynamic tongue base visualization, which may help predict surgical outcomes. It is hypothesized that cephalometric measurements obtained using MBS will correlate well with CT. Methods Thirty-six adult patients who underwent both CT imaging and MBS for head and neck cancer were included. Cephalometric measurements of the PAS were obtained using each imaging modality. Statistical analysis focused on correlating measurements taken using CT and MBS. Results The average PAS measurements were 12.53 ± 1.81 mm and 12.80 ± 1.75 mm by MBS and CT imaging, respectively. In comparing the two modalities, Pearson correlation between CT and MBS measurements revealed significant positive correlations between r = 0.769 and 0.937.