[ENT medical findings in obstructive sleep apnea syndromes]

Correlations between the manifestation of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and anatomical or functional changes in the upper respiratory tract remain controversial. The correlation between obstruction of the upper respiratory tract and the degree of sleep apnoea syndrome was investigated in 60 patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (diagnosed by polysomnography) and in 55 healthy controls. After clinical examination, rhinomanometry and determination of the size of the lower jaw and oropharynx, the motility of the pharyngeal walls during Mueller's manoeuvre was evaluated by flexible endoscopy. No significant anatomical or functional differences were observed between OSAS patients and healthy controls. There was no correlation between the degree of OSAS (expressed by the apnoea index) and pharyngeal size. Although no specific statement concerning diagnosis or degree of OSAS can be made on the basis of an otolaryngological examination, OSAS patients should always undergo otolaryngological examination to exclude pharyngeal disease.