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The parapharyngeal adipose corpus: anatomic and radiologic study
Pauline Nicol1,2, Jean-Marc Constans3, Marie-Pia d'Ortho4
1Anatomy, University Paris Diderot, 75010, Paris, France.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|April 5, 2019
Summary
The parapharyngeal adipose corpus (PAC) volume correlates with Body Mass Index (BMI) in healthy individuals. This finding may inform surgical approaches for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Radiology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- The clinical significance of the parapharyngeal adipose corpus (PAC) in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) remains debated.
- Previous studies have determined PAC volume in OSAS patients but not in a general population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphology of the PAC through dissection and MRI in a healthy population.
- To establish the relationship between PAC dimensions, volume, and Body Mass Index (BMI).
Main Methods:
- Dissection of 30 hemifaces from 15 cadavers, including PAC measurement and weighing.
- MRI analysis of 29 healthy subjects to assess PAC volume, palate-pharynx distance, and epiglottis-pharynx distance.
Main Results:
- The average PAC weight was 18.57g ± 2.24g.
- Mean PAC volume was 1.56 cm³ ± 0.38 cm³ on the right and 1.54 cm³ ± 0.37 cm³ on the left.
- PAC blood supply originates from the ascending palatal and ascending pharyngeal arteries.
Conclusions:
- A significant correlation exists between PAC volume and BMI in the general population.
- Surgical resection of the PAC, potentially via transoral robotic-assisted surgery, could be a viable option for OSAS patients, preserving key arteries.
Keywords:
Body mass indexDissectionMagnetic resonance imagingObstructive sleep apnea syndromeParapharyngeal adipose corpusMore Related Videos
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