Title of article :
Dimensional and volumetric analysis of the oropharyngeal region in obstructive sleep apnea patients: A cone beam computed tomography study
Author/Authors :
Tikku, Tripti Department of Orthodontics - Babu Banarasi Das College of Dental Sciences - Lucknow - Uttar Pradesh, India , Khanna, Rohit Department of Orthodontics - Babu Banarasi Das College of Dental Sciences - Lucknow - Uttar Pradesh, India , Sachan, Kiran Department of Orthodontics - Babu Banarasi Das College of Dental Sciences - Lucknow - Uttar Pradesh, India , Agarwal, Akhil Department of Orthodontics - Babu Banarasi Das College of Dental Sciences - Lucknow - Uttar Pradesh, India , Srivastava, Kamna Department of Orthodontics - Babu Banarasi Das College of Dental Sciences - Lucknow - Uttar Pradesh, India , Lal, Anubha Department of Orthodontics - Babu Banarasi Das College of Dental Sciences - Lucknow - Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract :
Background: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a potentially life‑threatening condition in which
there is a periodic cessation of breathing (for 10 sec or longer) that occurs during sleep in the
presence of inspiratory effort. The aim of the study was to assess volumetric and dimensional
differences between OSA patients and normal individuals in the upright posture.
Material and Method: The present study was conducted on CBCT scans of 32 patients who were
divided into two groups –Group I (control group) and Group II (OSA subjects). Group I consisted
of 16 patients with normal airway with ESS score from 2 to 10, STOP BANG Questionnaire score
of <3 and who had undergone CBCT for various diagnostic reasons. Group II had patients with ESS
score >10, STOP BANG Questionnaire score of > 3, AHI index >5. Linear and angular parameters,
volume and minimum cross‑section area (MCA) of oropharyngeal airway, anteroposterior length
and lateral width at MCA was compared amongst the groups.
Results: The oropharyngeal volume, MCA, and the anteroposterior and lateral width of the airway
at MCA of the OSA subjects was significantly lesser than that of normal subjects. The length of both
soft palate and tongue was significantly more in Group II. The angle between the nasopharyngeal
airway and the oropharyngeal airway was significantly more obtuse in Group II.
Conclusion: The reduction in oropharyngeal volume in OSA patients could be attributed to
different anatomical and pathophysiological factors that were corroborated with the findings of
the present study.
Keywords :
Airway , cone beam computed tomography , length , obstructive , oropharyngeal , sleep apnea , tongue
Journal title :
Astroparticle Physics