Volumetric Analysis of Airway in Snoring Patients at Risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is marked by daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, gasping or choking, and at least 5 obstructive breathing events per hour of sleep. Though polysomnography is the "gold standard" for diagnosing OSA, it is costly and time-consuming; alternatives like cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) exist. CBCT, provides a large field of view of upper airway, making it a valuable adjunctive tool for airway evaluation in patients at risk for OSA.

To evaluate the upper airway dimensions of patients with snoring and controls using CBCT and the role of CBCT as an adjunctive screening tool.

Study was done on 20 patients, 10 snoring subjects and 10 without snoring. Berlin questionnaire was given to the patients, to assess the risk for OSA. CBCT was used to measure the airway dimensions. Length of ramus and body of mandible was also estimated.

Out of 10 snoring patients, 9 were at high risk for OSA. Snoring subjects had significantly smaller mean A-P oropharynx dimensions, lateral dimensions, and oropharynx volume, but a longer oropharynx and shorter mandibular length than controls. Additionally, their mean BMI was higher.

The findings highlight 3D imaging's role in identifying patients at risk for OSA by showing differences in airway dimensions, volume, and mandibular morphology.