[Sonographic evaluation of anatomic landmarks in patients with obstructive sleep apnea]

In recent years, new key factors in the genesis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have been described. This has led to investigation of individualized therapeutic approaches in sleep medicine. The aim of the current study is assessment of the upper respiratory tract by sonographic measurement of various anatomic landmarks.

Patients with rhonchopathy as well as OSA of different severity were included and compared to healthy volunteers. All patients underwent polygraphy for assessment of nocturnal respiratory disorders. Different landmarks were defined (extension of the tongue, thickness of the pharynx, hyoid bone-thyroid cartilage distance, extension of the geniohyoid muscle) which should be measured sonographically.

A total of 155 patients were enrolled and assigned to one of five groups (control; rhonchopathy; mild, moderate, and severe OSA). There were significant differences in the parameters for measuring tongue size, the distance between the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage, and the thickness of the pharynx between the groups.

As part of this sonographic assessment of the upper respiratory tract, landmarks could be identified in patients with OSA that correlated with the severity of the disease.