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Published on: September 28, 2022
Three-Dimensional Airway Assessment as Diagnostic Aid in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Oscar Arturo Benítez-Cárdenas1,2, Néstor Oliver Herrera-Salguero2, Elhi Manuel Torres-Hernández1,2
1Service of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Regional High Specialty Hospital "Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto", San Luis Potosi 78290, Mexico.
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) shows promise as an adjunctive tool for diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) by evaluating airway anatomy. Airway volume and cross-sectional area via CBCT can help identify peripheral OSAS, but polysomnography remains essential.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is common and often undiagnosed, impacting health and quality of life.
- Polysomnography is the standard diagnostic method for OSAS.
- Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers a potential imaging approach for airway assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of 3D airway analysis using CBCT as a supplementary diagnostic method for OSAS.
- To compare airway dimensions in patients with OSAS versus healthy controls using CBCT.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study utilized CBCT scans from 30 participants (15 OSAS, 15 controls).
- Key tomographic variables analyzed included anteroposterior distance, lateral distance, minimum cross-sectional area, airway volume, and shape.
- Statistical analysis compared these variables between the OSAS and control groups.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were found in minimum cross-sectional area (p=0.038) and airway volume (p=0.0055) between OSAS patients and controls.
- Anteroposterior and lateral airway dimensions showed non-significant trends toward differences.
- CBCT analysis revealed distinct airway characteristics in OSAS patients.
Conclusions:
- CBCT-based airway volumetric and cross-sectional area measurements show potential as an adjunct for diagnosing peripheral OSAS.
- CBCT cannot substitute for polysomnography, particularly in diagnosing central OSAS.
- Further research may refine CBCT's role in the comprehensive evaluation of sleep apnea.
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