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Upper airway assessment: radiographic and other imaging techniques
1Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine, Center for Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia 19104-4283, USA.
Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America
|December 5, 1998
Summary
Upper airway imaging techniques like CT and MR scans reveal how sleep apnea develops and how treatments work. These methods offer crucial insights into airway structure and function, aiding diagnosis and therapy for sleep disordered breathing.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Sleep apnea involves complex upper airway pathogenesis and biomechanics.
- Understanding therapeutic intervention efficacy is crucial for patient management.
- Upper airway imaging provides insights into structural and functional aspects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of upper airway imaging in studying sleep apnea.
- To highlight the contribution of imaging to understanding treatment mechanisms.
- To discuss evolving clinical indications for upper airway imaging.
Main Methods:
- Nasopharyngoscopy, cephalometrics, CT scanning, and MR imaging are primary modalities.
- Imaging studies assess static and dynamic upper airway structure and function.
- 3D reconstruction is achievable with CT and MR imaging.
Main Results:
- Imaging reveals the importance of lateral pharyngeal walls in airway caliber.
- Studies demonstrate the effects of respiration, weight loss, and interventions on the airway.
- Insights into the efficacy of mandibular repositioning devices and surgery are provided.
Conclusions:
- Upper airway imaging is vital for understanding sleep apnea pathogenesis and biomechanics.
- Imaging aids in evaluating the efficacy of various therapeutic interventions.
- Consider upper airway imaging for sleep apnea patients undergoing dental appliance therapy or surgery.
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