Related Experiment Videos
Adipose tissue deposition in sleep apnea
K E Shelton1, H Woodson, S B Gay
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville.
Sleep
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients have more neck fat near their upper airway. This study used MRI and polysomnography to compare fat deposits in OSA patients versus healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Sleep Medicine
- Anatomy
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder.
- The role of upper airway adipose tissue in OSA pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between upper airway adipose tissue deposition and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Main Methods:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with T-1 weighted spin echo sequence was used.
- Polysomnography was employed to diagnose OSA.
- 21 patients with OSA and 9 control subjects were studied.
Main Results:
- Patients with OSA exhibited a significantly larger volume of adipose tissue adjacent to the upper airway compared to controls.
- This finding suggests a correlation between increased neck fat and OSA.
Conclusions:
- Adipose tissue accumulation in the neck region is associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
- Further research can explore the therapeutic implications of targeting upper airway fat in OSA management.