Comparison between nasopharyngeal swabs and saliva as reliable specimens for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 / Comparación de la confiabilidad del diagnóstico del SARS-CoV-2 entre muestras de hisopado y saliva

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a positive-strand RNA virus. The virus can also be detected in many different specimens as throat swabs, nasal swabs, sputum, saliva, blood, etc. Objective: The aim of this paper is to compare the reliability of different types of specimen collection, saliva and swabs samples for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Material and Methods: A sample of 22 COVID-19 positive patients was selected. Paired samples from saliva, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal + oropharyngeal swabs were collected on the 7th day after diagnosis. The hyssops and medium employed was IMPROSWAB and IMPROVIRAL NAT Medium, Germany. The sample evaluation was conducted through RT-PCR. The results were compared using Fisher's exact test and ROC curve. The gold standard proposed in this paper was the nasopharyngeal + oropharyngeal swabs specimen. Results: The gold standard method detected 10 true positive cases, of which oropharyngeal swabs, nasopharyngeal swabs and saliva only detected three positive cases. Significant differences (Fisher's exact test p = 0.003) were detected in the comparison between saliva and the gold standart proposed. The ROC curve analysis showed that saliva had an area under the curve of 0.650, with a 30 percent of sensibility. However, the nasopharyngeal and nasopharyngeal + oropharyngeal samples had an area under curve of 0.950 and 1.000, respectively, with a sensibility of 90 percent and 100 percent, respectively. Conclusion: Saliva samples are not a reliable specimen for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection. In turn, the most reliable specimens are nasopharyngeal and nasopharyngeal + oropharyngeal samples collected by swabbing(AU)

Introducción: El SARS-CoV-2 es un virus ARN positivo. Este virus puede ser detectado en diferentes tipos de secreción como hisopada bucal, nasal, esputo, saliva, sangre, etc. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es comparar la confiabilidad de diferentes tipos de muestras, saliva y exudado, en la detección de SARS-CoV-2. Material y Métodos: Una muestra de 22 pacientes con diagnóstico de Covid-19 fue estudiada. Se tomaron muestras pareadas de saliva y exudado nasofaríngeo y orofaríngeo en cada paciente. Se emplearon los hisopos y medios de la firma alemana IMPROVE®. Los resultados de las determinaciones por RT-PCR se compararon mediante test de Fisher (test de la probabilidad exacta de Fisher) y cada sets de muestras fue evaluada individualmente y luego comparadas por curvas ROC. El estándar de oro propuesto fue el doble hisopado nasofaríngeo/orofaríngeo. Resultados: El método de oro propuesto detectó 10 casos positivos. La coincidencia de detección entre todos los sets de muestras fue de 3 casos (30 por ciento). Se obtuvieron diferencias significativas (Fisher p = 0.003) en la comparación de los casos detectados en saliva vs el estándar de oro. El análisis de curvas ROC mostró un área bajo la curva de 0.650 (30 por ciento de sensibilidad) para la saliva. En el caso del hisopado nasofaríngeo y el estándar de oro mostraron un área bajo la curva de 0.95 y 1.00, respectivamente, con una sensibilidad del 90 (AU) por ciento y 100 por ciento, respectivamente. Conclusiones: La saliva no es una muestra confiable para la detección de SARS-CoV-2. La muestra más confiable para el diagnóstico fue el hisopado nasofaríngeo y el doble hisopado(AU)

Assessment of nasopharyngeal airway volume in pediatric patients with adenoid hypertrophy by cone-beam computerized tomography / Volumen de la vía aérea nasofaríngea en pacientes pediátricos con hipertrofia adenoidea: evaluación por tomografía computarizada de haz cónico

Objective: Adenoid hypertrophy is a disease whose most serious effect is the obstruction of the nasopharyngeal airway, leading to severe dentoskeletal deformities. The aim of this study was to determine the volume of the nasopharynx in patients with different grades of adenoid hypertrophy. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted. One hundred and twenty-five cone beam computed tomographies of 8 to 12-year-old pediatric patients, obtained from the 2014-2017 database of the School of Dentistry of Universidad de San Martin de Porres, were selected. Romexis 3.6.0 software (PlanMeca®, Finland) was used. In order to make a diagnosis and determine the grade of hypertrophy (Grade 1= healthy, Grade 2= mild, Grade 3= moderate and Grade 4= severe) quantitative and qualitative methods were used; grades 2, 3 and 4 were considered pathological. The same software was used to determine the volume of the nasopharynx. Results: Grade 1 hypertrophy was 44%, mild 36,8%, moderate 13,6% and severe 5,6%, accounting for a pathological adenoid hypertrophy prevalence of 56%. The mean volume of the nasopharynx was 4.985, 3.375, 2.154 and 0.944cm3 for grades 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of pathological adenoid hypertrophy (56%). The volume of the nasopharynx decreases according to the severity of the adenoid hypertrophy.

Objetivo: La hipertrofia adenoidea es una patología cuya repercusión más severa es la obstrucción de la vía aérea nasofaríngea, con graves consecuencias de malformaciones dento-esqueléticas. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el volumen de la vía aérea nasofaríngea en pacientes con diferentes grados de hipertrofia adenoidea. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, se seleccionaron 125 tomografías computarizadas de haz cónico de pacientes pediátricos de 8 a 12 años de edad obtenidas en la base de datos del 2014 al 2017 de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de San Martín de Porres. Se utilizó el software Romexis 3.6.0 (PlanMeca®, Finlandia); para realizar el diagnóstico y determinar el grado de hipertrofia (Grado 1= sano, Grado 2=leve, Grado 3=moderado y Grado 4= severo) se utilizaron dos métodos, uno de evaluación cualitativa y otra cuantitativa; los grados 2, 3 y 4 fueron considerados como patológicos; para determinar el volumen de la vía aérea nasofaríngea se utilizaron las herramientas del mismo software. Resultados: La hipertrofia grado 1 estuvo constituida por el 44%, leve en el 36.8%, moderado en el 13.6% y severo en el 5.6%; constituyendo finalmente una prevalencia de hipertrofia adenoidea patológica del 56%. Las medias de los volúmenes de la vía aérea nasofaríngea fueron de 4.985, 3.375, 2.154 y 0.944 cm3 para los grados 1, 2, 3 y 4 respectivamente. Conclusión: Existe una alta prevalencia de hipertrofia adenoidea patológica (56%), el volumen de la vía aérea nasofaríngea tiende a disminuir conforme a la severidad de la hipertrofia adenoidea.

State-dependent changes in the upper airway assessed by multidetector CT in healthy individuals and during obstructive events in patients with sleep apnea / Alterações nas vias aéreas superiores avaliadas por TC multidetectores durante a vigília e o sono em indivíduos saudáveis e em pacientes com apneia do sono durante eventos obstrutivos

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine whether airway narrowing during obstructive events occurs predominantly at the retropalatal level and results from dynamic changes in the lateral pharyngeal walls and in tongue position. Methods: We evaluated 11 patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and 7 healthy controls without OSA during wakefulness and during natural sleep (documented by full polysomnography). Using fast multidetector CT, we obtained images of the upper airway in the waking and sleep states. Results: Upper airway narrowing during sleep was significantly greater at the retropalatal level than at the retroglossal level in the OSA group (p < 0.001) and in the control group (p < 0.05). The retropalatal airway volume was smaller in the OSA group than in the control group during wakefulness (p < 0.05) and decreased significantly from wakefulness to sleep only among the OSA group subjects. Retropalatal pharyngeal narrowing was attributed to reductions in the anteroposterior diameter (p = 0.001) and lateral diameter (p = 0.006), which correlated with an increase in lateral pharyngeal wall volume (p = 0.001) and posterior displacement of the tongue (p = 0.001), respectively. Retroglossal pharyngeal narrowing during sleep did not occur in the OSA group subjects. Conclusions: In patients with OSA, upper airway narrowing during sleep occurs predominantly at the retropalatal level, affecting the anteroposterior and lateral dimensions, being associated with lateral pharyngeal wall enlargement and posterior tongue displacement.

Resumo Objetivo: Determinar se o estreitamento das vias aéreas durante eventos obstrutivos ocorre predominantemente na região retropalatal e resulta de alterações dinâmicas nas paredes laterais da faringe e na posição da língua. Métodos: Avaliamos 11 pacientes com apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS) grave (grupo AOS) e 7 indivíduos saudáveis sem AOS (grupo controle) durante a vigília e o sono natural (documentado por meio de polissonografia completa). Por meio de TC multidetectores rápida, obtivemos imagens das vias aéreas superiores no estado de vigília e de sono. Resultados: O estreitamento das vias aéreas superiores durante o sono foi significativamente maior na região retropalatal do que na região retrolingual no grupo AOS (p < 0,001) e no grupo controle (p < 0,05). O volume da via aérea retropalatal foi menor no grupo AOS do que no grupo controle durante a vigília (p < 0,05) e diminuiu significativamente da vigília ao sono apenas no grupo AOS. O estreitamento retropalatal da faringe foi atribuído à redução do diâmetro anteroposterior (p = 0,001) e lateral (p = 0,006), que se correlacionou com o aumento do volume das paredes laterais da faringe (p = 0,001) e o deslocamento posterior da língua (p = 0,001). Não ocorreu estreitamento retrolingual da faringe durante o sono no grupo AOS. Conclusões: Em pacientes com AOS, o estreitamento das vias aéreas superiores durante o sono ocorre predominantemente na região retropalatal e afeta as dimensões anteroposterior e lateral, além de estar relacionado com aumento das paredes laterais da faringe e deslocamento posterior da língua.

Características posoperatorias de la faringoplastia combinada con amigdalectomía en comparación con la amigdalectomía en niños con síndrome obstructivo de apnea del sueño / Postoperative characteristics of combined pharyngoplasty and tonsillectomy versus tonsillectomy in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Objetivo. Identificar las ventajas posoperatorias de la amigdalectomía en conjunto con la faringoplastia en comparación con la amigdalectomía sola en niños con apnea obstructiva del sueño. Métodos. En un estudio prospectivo observacional, los pacientes que cumplían con los criterios del estudio fueron asignados aleatoriamente a dos grupos: el grupo de amigdalectomía y faringoplastia, y el grupo de solo amigdalectomía. En ambos grupos, también se practicó adenoidectomía a los pacientes con vegetaciones. Se compararon los procesos de cicatrización en la herida faríngea y las proporciones hemorrágicas. Además, se evaluó la función velofaríngea posoperatoria. Resultados. La faringoplastia junto con la amigdalectomía se practicó en 328 niños con apnea obstructiva del sueño debido a hipertrofia amigdalina, y la amigdalectomía sola, en 275 niños. Estas cohortes no mostraban diferencias demográficas significativas. Por otro lado, se encontró que la pérdida de sangre fue significativamente menor en el grupo que recibió amigdalectomía y faringoplastia (p < 0,01), y el proceso de cicatrización fue notablemente más breve. La función velofaríngea posoperatoria no resultó afectada. Conclusiones. En comparación con la amigdalectomía, la amigdalectomía junto con la faringoplastia redujeron la duración del proceso de cicatrización y la pérdida de sangre; no obstante, las complicaciones posoperatorias no aumentaron. En nuestra opinión, la combinación de faringoplastia y amigdalectomía reúne un gran potencial en el tratamiento de los niños con apnea obstructiva del sueño.

Purpose. The study aims to identify the postoperative advantages of tonsillectomy in conjunction with pharyngoplasty and tonsillectomy alone in children with obstructive sleep apneas. Methods. In a prospective observational study, patients who met the study criteria were randomly divided into two groups: tonsillectomy and pharyngoplasty group, and tonsillectomy alone group. In both groups, adenoidectomy was also performed in patients with adenoid hypertrophy. Differences in their healing processes in the pharyngeal wound and their hemorrhage proportions were compared. Furthermore, postoperative velopharyngeal function was also assessed. Results. Pharyngoplasty together with tonsillectomy was performed in 328 children with obstructive sleep apnea from tonsillar hypertrophy, and tonsillectomy was performed in 275 children. These cohorts did not reveal any significant demographic differences between groups. Furthermore, blood loss was found to be significantly decreased in the tonsillectomy and pharyngoplasty group (P <0.01), and the healing process was markedly shorter. Postoperative velopharyngeal function was not affected. Conclusions. Tonsillectomy in conjunction with pharyngoplasty reduced the duration of the healing process and blood loss, compared with tonsillectomy alone; however, postoperative complications did not increase. We consider pharyngoplasty in conjunction with tonsillectomy has great potential in the treatment of children with obstructive sleep apnea.

Tuberculosis en otorrinolaringología. Reporte de 3 casos / Tuberculosis in otolaryngology. Report of 3 cases / Tuberculose em otorrinolaringología. Relatório de 3 casos

La tuberculosis extrapulmonar suele ser una presentación poco frecuente. Aunque la vía respiratoria alta es la vía de entrada del Mycobacterium tuberculosis, su afectación es rara (menos del 2%), siendo la localización ótica, laríngea y nasofaríngea de carácter excepcional, pudiéndose presentar tanto de forma primaria como secundaria a una lesión pulmonar. Se describen tres formas de presentación de tuberculosis extrapulmonar, resaltando la importancia de su sospecha clínica; fundamental para el diagnóstico. Se reporta un caso de tuberculosis laríngea como presentación primaria; un caso de tuberculosis faríngea como presentación secundaria y un caso de presentación ótica en un paciente inmunocomprometido. Debido al aumento en los últimos años de esta enfermedad es necesario tenerla presente como diagnóstico diferencial. Se destacan las dificultades en su detección, ya que no existen características exclusivas de la tuberculosis. La importancia del diagnóstico precoz radica en que es una enfermedad con buena evolución si es tratada oportunamente.

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is usually an uncommon presentation. Although the upper respiratory tract is the entry route of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis, its involvement is rare (less than 2%), being the otic, laryngeal and nasopharyngeal localization exceptional, being able to present both primary and secondary to a lung injury. Three forms of presentation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis are described highlighting the importance of their clinical suspicion; fundamental for the diagnosis. A case of laryngeal tuberculosis is reported as primary presentation; a case of pharyngeal tuberculosis as a secondary presentation and a case of otic presentation in an immunocompromised patient. Due to the increase in recent years of this disease it is necessary to keep it in mind as a differential diagnosis. The difficulties in its detection are highlighted, since there are no exclusive characteristics of tuberculosis. The importance of early diagnosis lies in the fact that it is a disease with good evolution if it is treated opportunely.

A tuberculose extrapulmonar é geralmente uma apresentação incomum. Embora a via aérea superior é o Mycobacterium tuberculosis porta de entrada, o seu envolvimento é rara (menos do que 2%), a localização ótica, da laringe e da nasofaringe excepcional, sendo possível que tanto na forma primária como secundária à lesão do pulmão. Três formas de apresentação da tuberculose extrapulmonar são descritas, destacando a importância de sua suspeita clínica; fundamental para o diagnóstico. Um caso de tuberculose laríngea é relatado como apresentação primária; um caso de tuberculose faríngea como apresentação secundária e um caso de apresentação ótica em paciente imunocomprometido. Devido ao aumento nos últimos anos desta doença é necessário ter isto em mente como um diagnóstico diferencial. As dificuldades em sua detecção são destacadas, uma vez que não existem características exclusivas da tuberculose. A importância do diagnóstico precoce reside no fato de ser uma doença com boa evolução se tratada oportunamente.

Volumetric reconstruction and determination of minimum crosssectional area of the pharynx in patients with cleft lip and palate: comparison between two different softwares

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of volumetric reconstruction of the pharynx by comparing the volume and minimum crosssectional area (mCSA) determined with open-source applications (ITK-Snap, www.itksnap.org ; SlicerCMF) and commercial software (Dolphin3D, 11.8, Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions, Chatsworth, CA, USA) previously validated in the literature. Material and Methods: The sample comprised of 35 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate, with mean age of 29±15. Three-dimensional volumetric models of the pharynx were reconstructed using semi-automatic segmentation using the applications ITK-Snap (G1) and Dolphin3D (G2). Volumes and minimum cross-sectional areas were determined. Inter- and intra-observer error were calculated using ICC test. Comparison between applications was calculated using the Wilcoxon test. Results: Volumes and minimum crosssectional area were statistically similar between applications. ITK-Snap showed higher pharynx volumes, but lower mCSA. Visual assessment showed that 62.86% matched the region of mCSA in Dolphin3D and SPHARM-PDM. Conclusion: Measurements of volume and mCSA are statistically similar between applications. Therefore, open-source applications may be a viable option to assess upper airway dimensions using CBCT exams.

Aislamiento del estreptococo beta-hemolítico en niños asintomáticos / Isolation of the beta-hemolytic streptococcus in asymptomatic children

Introducción: las faringoamigdalitis se encuentran entre las enfermedades infecciosas que más afectan a los niños en edad escolar, cuya primera causa bacteriana es el estreptococo beta-hemolítico del grupo A. Objetivo: determinar la presencia de dicha bacteria en exudados faríngeos de niños asintomáticos. Métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal y descriptivo de 80 niños de ambos sexos en el Círculo Infantil Alberto Fernández de Santiago de Cuba, durante el año 2014. Resultados: se obtuvo un elevado porcentaje de infectados por bacterias potencialmente patógenas, con predominio del estreptococo beta-hemolítico del grupo A, así como una mayor frecuencia de niños en las edades de 4 y 5 años y del sexo masculino; asimismo, los antibióticos de mayor sensibilidad fueron la penicilina y amoxicilina, mientras que la kanamicina fue el de mayor resistencia. Conclusiones: esta investigación posibilitó conocer las características de colonización de esta bacteria, así como su sensibilidad antimicrobiana

Introduction: pharyngotonsillitis is among the infectious diseases that most affect children in school age whose first bacterial cause is the group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Objective: to be determine the presence of this bacteria in throat swabs of asymptomatic children. Methods: a cross-sectional and descriptive study of 80 children from both sexes was carried out in Alberto Fernández day care center in Santiago de Cuba, during 2014. Results: a high percentage of infected children by potentially pathogens bacterias was obtained, with prevalence of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, as well as a higher frequency of children of the male sex aged 4 and 5; also, the antibiotics of more sensitivity were penicillin and amoxicillin, while kanamycin was that of higher resistance. Conclusions: with this investigation the colonization characteristics of this bacteria were known, as well as its antimicrobian sensitivity

Analysis of speech and tongue motion in normal and post-glossectomy speaker using cine MRI

ABSTRACT Objective Since the tongue is the oral structure responsible for mastication, pronunciation, and swallowing functions, patients who undergo glossectomy can be affected in various aspects of these functions. The vowel /i/ uses the tongue shape, whereas /u/ uses tongue and lip shapes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the morphological changes of the tongue and the adaptation of pronunciation using cine MRI for speech of patients who undergo glossectomy. Material and Methods Twenty-three controls (11 males and 12 females) and 13 patients (eight males and five females) volunteered to participate in the experiment. The patients underwent glossectomy surgery for T1 or T2 lateral lingual tumors. The speech tasks “a souk” and “a geese” were spoken by all subjects providing data for the vowels /u/ and /i/. Cine MRI and speech acoustics were recorded and measured to compare the changes in the tongue with vowel acoustics after surgery. 2D measurements were made of the interlip distance, tongue-palate distance, tongue position (anterior-posterior and superior-inferior), tongue height on the left and right sides, and pharynx size. Vowel formants Fl, F2, and F3 were measured. Results The patients had significantly lower F2/Fl ratios (F=5.911, p=0.018), and lower F3/F1 ratios that approached significance. This was seen primarily in the /u/ data. Patients had flatter tongue shapes than controls with a greater effect seen in /u/ than /i/. Conclusion The patients showed complex adaptation motion in order to preserve the acoustic integrity of the vowels, and the tongue modified cavity size relationships to maintain the value of the formant frequencies.

Is the difference in the volume of the pharyngeal space, as measured by acoustic pharyngometry, before and after tonsillectomy proportional to the volume of the excised tonsils?

OBJECTIVE: Adenotonsillectomy is recognized as an effective therapy for snoring and sleep disorders in children. It is important to understand whether adenotonsillectomy significantly increases the volume of the pharyngeal space. The goal of this study was to evaluate the change in oropharyngeal volume after adenotonsillectomy and the correlation of this change with the objective volume of the tonsils and body mass index. METHODS: We included 27 subjects (14 males) with snoring caused by tonsil and adenoid hypertrophy. The mean age of the subjects was 7.92 (±2.52) years. Children with craniofacial malformations or neuromuscular diseases or syndromes were excluded. The parents/caregivers answered an adapted questionnaire regarding sleep-disordered breathing. All patients were subjected to weight and height measurements and body mass index was calculated. The subjects underwent pharyngometry before and after adenotonsillectomy and the volume of both excised tonsils together was measured in cm3 in the operating room. RESULTS: Pharyngometric analysis showed that the mean pharyngeal volume was 28.63 (±5.57) cm3 before surgery and 31.23 (±6.76) cm3 after surgery; the volume of the oropharynx was significantly increased post-surgery (p=0.015, Wilcoxon test). No correlation was found between the objective tonsil volume and the post-surgical volume increase (p=0.6885). There was a fair correlation between the oropharyngeal volume and body mass index (p=0.0224). CONCLUSION: Adenotonsillectomy increases the volume of the pharyngeal space, but this increase does not correlate with the objective tonsil size. Furthermore, greater BMI was associated with a smaller increase in the pharyngeal volume. Oropharyngeal structures and craniofacial morphology may also play a role in the increase in oropharyngeal volume.

Avaliação das alterações nas vias aéreas superiores através de tomografia computadorizada Cone-Beam em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia ortognática de avanço bimaxilar / Three-dimensional upper airway space changes after bimaxillary advancement by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Introdução: O descontentamento com a estética facial é considerado o fator motivador mais frequente na procura pela cirurgia ortognática, visto que este é o procedimento indicado nos casos de severas discrepâncias dentoesqueléticas em pacientes adultos. A anatomia das vias aéreas superiores (VAS) permite que fatores como obesidade, hipotonia muscular e deficiência mandibular favoreçam sua obstrução, podendo gerar a Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono (AOS), caracterizada por episódios recorrentes de obstrução parcial ou completa das VAS durante o sono. As cirurgias de avanço bimaxilar estão associadas ao aumento do espaço aéreo, no entanto, as alterações morfológicas e volumétricas ainda não são bem conhecidas. Objetivos: Avaliar as alterações em 3D do espaço aéreo faríngeo frente aos procedimentos de cirurgia ortognática de avanço bimaxilar em pacientes Classe I e II esqueléticos. Material e Métodos: A análise da área axial mínima e do volume da aérea superior foi realizada em pré-operatório (T0) e pós-operatório (T1) de 56 pacientes, sendo 21 do sexo masculino e 35 do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 35,8 (±10,7) anos, submetidos ao avanço bimaxilar pela técnica da osteotomia sagital de mandíbula bilateral associada ao avanço de maxila por meio de osteotomia Le Fort I. As avaliações foram feitas através de tomografia computadorizada Cone-beam, utilizando-se o Programa Dolphin Imaging 11.7. Foi utilizado o teste t pareado para comparar os dados pré e pós-operatórios. Todos os testes foram realizados com o programa Statistica, adotando-se um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: No estudo do erro do método, não houve erro casual nem sistemático entre a primeira e a segunda medição das variáveis (p >0,05 em todas as medidas). A cirurgia de avanço bimaxilar apresentou uma média de 73,6% (± 74,75%) de aumento volumétrico e 113,5% (±123,87%) de aumento na área axial mínima. Conclusões: Podemos concluir que a cirurgia de avanço bimaxilar proporciona um aumento volumétrico significativo no espaço aéreo superior, bem como na área axial mínima, no entanto, esse ganho nem sempre ocorre na mesma magnitude para todos os pacientes.(AU)

Introduction: Facial aesthetics dissatisfaction is considered the most common motivating factor in the search for orthognathic surgery. This procedure may be used in cases of severe dental and skeletal discrepancies in adult patients. The restricted space anatomy of the upper airway space (UAS) allows features such as obesity, muscular hypotonia and mandibular deficiency favor clogging, which may lead to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the UAS during sleep. Surgeries of bimaxillary advancement are associated with increased UAS, however, the morphological and volumetric changes are not well known. Objectives: to evaluate changes in 3D pharyngeal airway in front of orthognathic surgery procedures of skeletal Class I and II subjects. Material and Methods: 3D pharyngeal airway was evaluated preoperative (T0) and postoperative (T1), with the aid of the analysis of the minimum axial area and airway volume. Fifty-six patients 21 male and 35 female, with a mean age of 35.8 (± 10.7) years undergo bimaxillary advancement by the technique of bilateral sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible associated with maxillary advancement through Le Fort I osteotomy. Measurements were made using Cone-beam Computed Tomography, using the Dolphin Imaging program 11.7. Paired t test was used to compare to the data between T0 and T1. All tests were performed with the Statistica Program, adopting a 5% significance level. Results: In the method error of the study, there was no casual or systematic error between the first and second measurement variables (p > 0.05 for all measures). The bimaxillary advancement surgery showed an average of 73.6% (± 74.75%) of increase in volume and 113.5% (±123.87%) increase in the minimum axial area. Conclusions: We concluded that the maxillomandibular advancement surgery provides a significant increase in volume in the UAS as well as the minimum axial area; however, this gain is not always in the same magnitude for all patients.(AU)

Avaliação das vias aéreas superiores por meio de tomografia computadorizada Cone-beam em pacientes Classe III submetidos à cirurgia bimaxilar / Evaluation of the upper airways by means of Cone-beam computed tomography in Class III patients submitted to bimaxilar surgery

Introdução: Dependendo da magnitude da má oclusão de Classe III, esta é uma alteração difícil de ser tratada apenas com a correção ortodôntica. Tanto as cirurgias de recuo mandibular quanto as bimaxilares promovem uma melhora na oclusão, na função mastigatória e na estética facial, ao corrigirem as posições da mandíbula e/ou maxila, mas um importante aspecto da cirurgia ortognática, que não pode ser negligenciado, são os efeitos que os movimentos esqueléticos das bases ósseas podem provocar na região das vias aéreas, ao alterar a posição do osso hióide e da língua. O estreitamento das vias aéreas superiores (VAS) pode comprometer o sono dos pacientes submetidos à correção cirúrgica e predispor ao desenvolvimento da apneia/hipopneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS). Objetivos: O presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar as alterações de volume e área axial mínima do espaço aéreo faringeo em pacientes com má oclusão de Classe III esquelética, submetidos à cirurgia ortognática bimaxilar, pela técnica de osteotomia Le Fort I da maxila e osteotomia sagital bilateral da mandíbula. Material e Métodos: As avaliações foram feitas em tomografias computadorizadas Cone-beam, utilizando-se o Programa Dolphin Imaging 11.7. As tomografias de 50 pacientes, de ambos os sexos, com média de idade de 33,40 (± 9,38) anos, foram analisadas nos períodos pré e pósoperatório e as medidas de volume e área axial mínima foram mensuradas. Foi utilizado o teste t pareado e os testes foram realizados utilizando-se o programa Statistica 7.0, adotando-se um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: ao calcular o erro do método, não foram encontrados erros casuais e nem sistemáticos (p> 0,05 em todas as medidas). As cirurgias bimaxilares para correção da Classe III esquelética promoveram um aumento de 16,68% (±22,61) no volume e 23,58% (± 31,46) na área axial mínima. Conclusões: Mesmo que os efeitos da cirurgia de avanço maxilar e recuo mandibular sobre as vias aéreas não sejam completamente previsíveis, podemos observar que a maioria dos pacientes não apresentaram prejuízos na anatomia faringeana que resulte em diminuição do volume aéreo e área axial mínima, predispondo-o ao desenvolvimento da AOS.(AU)

Introduction: Depending on the extend of Class III malocclusion, it becomes difficult to be treated only with orthodontic correction. Both mandibular setback surgery as bimaxillary surgery, promote an improvement in occlusion, masticatory function and facial aesthetics, correcting the position of the mandible and/or maxilla. But an important aspect of orthognathic surgery that cant be overlooked, are the effects that the skeletal movements of the bone bases causes in the airway space, since they change the position of the hyoid bone and tongue. The narrowing of the pharingeal airway space (PAS) may impair the patient's sleep and predispose to the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Purpose: This study aims to evaluate surgical changes in the airway volume and minimal cross-sectional area in the pharyngeal airway space (PAS) in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion, submitted to bimaxillary surgery, using a Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy technique. Material and Methods: The evaluations were made through Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), using Dolphin Imaging program version 11.7. The CT scans of 50 patients of both genders, with a mean age of 33.40 (± 9.38), were analyzed pre and postoperatively and volume and minimum axial area were measured. Paired t test was used and tests were performed using Statistica 7.0 software, adopting a 5% significance level. Results: Method error were done and no random or systematic errors were found (p> 0.05 for all measures). Bimaxillary surgery for skeletal Class III correction promoted an increase of 16.68% (± 22.61) in volume and 23.58% (± 31.46) at the minimum axial area. Conclusion: Even if the effects of the maxillary advancement and mandibular setback surgery on the airway are not completely predictable, we observed that most patients didnt have pharyngeal airway anatomy damage, that could result decreased on airway volume and minimum axial area predisposing to OSA development.(AU)

Immediate impact of rapid maxillary expansion on upper airway dimensions and on the quality of life of mouth breathers

OBJECTIVE: To assess short-term tomographic changes in the upper airway dimensions and quality of life of mouth breathers after rapid maxillary expansion (RME). METHODS: A total of 25 mouth breathers with maxillary atresia and a mean age of 10.5 years old were assessed by means of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and a standardized quality of life questionnaire answered by patients' parents/legal guardians before and immediately after rapid maxillary expansion. RESULTS: Rapid maxillary expansion resulted in similar and significant expansion in the width of anterior (2.8 mm, p < 0.001) and posterior nasal floor (2.8 mm, p < 0.001). Although nasopharynx and nasal cavities airway volumes significantly increased (+1646.1 mm3, p < 0.001), oropharynx volume increase was not statistically significant (+1450.6 mm3, p = 0.066). The results of the quality of life questionnaire indicated that soon after rapid maxillary expansion, patients' respiratory symptoms significantly decreased in relation to their initial respiratory conditions. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that RME produces significant dimensional increase in the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. Additionally, it also positively impacts the quality of life of mouth-breathing patients with maxillary atresia. .

OBJETIVO: avaliar, por meio de tomografias, as mudanças em curto prazo nas vias aéreas superiores e na qualidade de vida em pacientes respiradores bucais, após expansão rápida da maxila (ERM). MÉTODOS: foram avaliados 25 pacientes respiradores bucais com atresia maxilar, com idade média de 10,5 anos, por meio de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) e questionário padronizado de qualidade de vida submetido aos pais/responsáveis, antes e imediatamente após a ERM. RESULTADOS: a ERM promoveu uma expansão, de forma semelhante e significativa, tanto na largura do soalho nasal anterior (2,8mm, p < 0,001) quanto na largura do soalho nasal posterior (2,8mm, p < 0,001). No volume aéreo da nasofaringe e fossas nasais, houve aumento significativo (+1646,1mm3 p < 0,001); entretanto, no volume aéreo da orofaringe, houve aumento não significativo (+1450,6 mm3 p = 0,066). Os resultados do questionário de qualidade de vida indicaram melhora significativa na qualidade de vida dos pacientes após a ERM, em comparação ao questionário inicial. CONCLUSÕES: a ERM promoveu aumento dimensional significativo nas fossas nasais e na nasofaringe, bem como melhorou significativamente a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. .

Upper airway dimensions in patients with craniocervical junction malformations with and without sleep apnea. A pilot case-control study / Dimensões da via aérea superior em pacientes com malformações da transição craniocervical com e sem apnéia do sono. Um estudo piloto caso-controle

Objective Patients with craniocervical junction malformations (CCJM) tend to suffer more frequently from sleep respiratory disturbances, which are more frequent and severe in patients with basilar invagination. Here we evaluate if patients with CCJM and sleep respiratory disorders (SRD) present smaller airway dimensions than patients without SRD. Method Patients with CCCM with and without sleep respiratory disturbances were evaluated clinically by Bindal's score, modified Mallampati classification, full-night polysomnography and upper airway cone beam tomography. Results Eleven patients had sleep respiratory disorders (SRD), and nine patients performed control group without SRD. CCJM patients with SRD were predominantly female, older, had higher BMI, were more likely to have Mallampati grades 3 and 4 and had statistically significant smaller anteroposterior diameter of the upper airway than patients without SRD. Conclusion Patients with CCJM and sleep respiratory disturbances have higher BMI, higher Mallampati score and smaller anterior posterior diameter of the upper airway. .

Objetivo : Pacientes com malformação da transição craniocervical (MTCC) tendem a apresentar mais frequentemente distúrbios respiratórios do sono (DRS), os quais são mais intensos em pacientes com invaginação basilar. O objetivo desse estudo é avaliar se pacientes com MTCC e DRS apresentam dimensões das vias aéreas reduzidas em comparação a pacientes sem DRS. Método : Pacientes com MTCC com e sem apneia do sono foram avaliados com a escala de Bindal, classificação de Mallampati modificada, polissonografia de noite inteira e tomografia da via aérea superior. Resultados Onze pacientes tinham DRS e nove não apresentaram esses distúrbios (grupo controle). Pacientes com MTCC e DRS foram principalmente mulheres, mais velhos, apresentaram maior IMC e maior gradação na escala de Mallampati, além de menor diâmetro anteroposterior de via aérea superior do que pacientes sem DRS. Conclusão Pacientes com MTCC e DRS têm maior IMC, maior pontuação na escala de Mallampati e menor diâmtero anteroposterior da via aérea superior. .

Effects of reverse headgear on pharyngeal airway in patients with different vertical craniofacial features

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of reverse headgear (RH) on pharyngeal airway morphology in two groups of Class III patients with different vertical craniofacial features in comparison with an untreated Class III group. Seventeen subjects (9 males, 8 females; mean age 11.3 ± 0.98 years) with optimum vertical growth and 17 subjects (10 males, 7 females, mean age 11.5 ± 1.1 years) with a vertical growth pattern treated with a removable intra-oral appliance and a Delaire type facemask were included. An untreated Class III control group of 11 subjects (8 males, 3 females, mean age 9.1 ± 1.1 years) was included to compare the treated groups. The paired t-test for intragroup and one-way ANOVA for intergroup comparisons were performed. The relationships between changes in the craniofacial morphology and airway were assessed by Spearman correlation analysis. The airway dimensions at the adenoid side and soft palate were increased in the treatment groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The nasopharyngeal area demonstrated a significant difference in normodivergent and control subjects (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the airway morphology due to different vertical features. The effect of RH treatment on the sagittal airway dimensions revealed no significant difference between different vertical craniofacial features in the short term.

Modificação da via aérea superior com uso de CPAP: avaliação por faringometria acústica em apnéicos graves e roncadores simples / Upper airway reconfiguration with CPAP: acoustic pharyngometry evaluation in severe apneics and simple snorers

Introdução: A Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono (AOS) é uma doença crônica e evolutiva que tem uma alta prevalência e pode acarretar graves repercussões hemodinâmicas, neurológicas e comportamentais. A pressão positiva contínua na via aérea (CPAP) é altamente eficaz no tratamento da AOS, porém o processo de expansão da faringe por este dispositivo não é totalmente entendido. A faringometria acústica (FA) é um método de mensuração das dimensões da cavidade oral e da faringe, reprodutível e fácil de efetuar, podendo avaliar eficientemente os efeitos do CPAP na faringe e trazer informações sobre sua complacência e sítios de obstrução. Objetivo: avaliar as mudanças induzidas pelo CPAP nas dimensões da faringe e no posicionamento do palato mole em pacientes com AOS e verificar se a deformabilidade da via aérea superior pelo CPAP é maior em apneicos graves do que em roncadores simples. Desenho do estudo: estudo prospectivo. Métodos: 48 pacientes foram submetidos a FA durante o uso do CPAP. 29 pacientes com índice de apneia e hipopneia (IAH) >30 e indicação de uso do CPAP foram inclusos no grupo AOS, e 19 pacientes com IAH <=5 foram inclusos no grupo controle. Os critérios de inclusão foram: idade entre 18 e 65 anos, ambos os sexos, polissonografia (PSG) previamente realizada, e PSG para titulação do CPAP no grupo AOS. Os critérios de exclusão foram: obstrução nasal crônica pré existente, uso de medicamentos psiquiátricos, neurológicos ou miorrelaxantes, insuficiência cardíaca congestiva, índice de massa corpórea >= 35 e cirurgia palatal prévia para AOS. Os gráficos resultantes dos exames de FA foram analisados por 2 examinadores cegos que marcaram os pontos para obtenção da distância da transição orofaríngea da glote. Foram calculados também o comprimento e o volume da faringe pelo programa do aparelho. Foi então feita a análise estatística para comparar as medidas em diferentes pressões intragrupo e intergrupo. Resultados: As medidas dos dois examinadores mostraram...

Rationale: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is an evolutive disease, with a high prevalence, that can cause serious hemodynamic, neurological and behavioral repercussions. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is highly effective in OSA treatment, however the pharynx expansion by this advice is not fully understood. Acoustic pharyngometry (AP) is a measurement method of oral cavity and pharynx dimensions, and can efficiently evaluate CPAP effects on pharynx, bringing informations about its compliance and sites of obstruction. Objectives/Hypothesis: To verify if the CPAP-induced deformability on the pharynx and soft palate is greater in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients than in simple snorers. Study Design: Prospective study. Methods: 29 patients with severe OSA and 19 simple snorers underwent acoustic pharyngometry measurements while awake in supine position. Measurements were first made without CPAP, and then with a nasal CPAP starting with 4cmH2O and up to 10cmH2O. The oropharyngeal transition and the position of the glottis were marked in the generated curves by two blinded examiners. The marked values were averaged to calculate the oropharyngeal transition and the pharyngeal length and volume under zero, 4 and 10cmH2O of CPAP for each group. Results: CPAP did not produce any significant enlargement in the pharyngeal airway nor changed the soft palate positioning in both groups. At baseline, OSA patients have a longer pharynx than simple snorers. After the application of CPAP, there was no difference in the length and volume of the pharynx between groups. Conclusions: There were no significant differences in the position of oropharyngeal junction and glottis between snorers and apneics with CPAP appliance. There was no significant expansion in pharyngeal airway with CPAP appliance in snorers and apneics. Anatomically, apneics presented a longer superior airway than simple snorers.

Comparação de via aérea por máscara laríngea Supreme e via aérea por máscara laríngea ProSeal para trauma laringofaríngeo e morbidade pós-operatória em crianças / Comparison of laryngeal mask airway supreme and laryngeal mask airway proseal for laryngopharyngeal trauma and postoperative morbidity in children / Comparación de vía aérea por mascarilla laríngea Supreme y vía aírea por mascarilla laríngea ProSeal para el trauma laringofaríngeo y la morbilidad postoperatoria en niños

EXPERIÊNCIA E OBJETIVOS: A via aérea por máscara laríngea (LMA), que tem sido utilizada frequentemente no tratamento das vias aéreas, pode causar lesão e morbidade na área laringofaríngea. Nesse estudo, comparamos as alterações macroscópicas nas estruturas laringofaríngeas e a morbidade laringofaríngea pós-operatória pelo uso da LMA Supreme® versus LMA ProSeal® em crianças. MÉTODOS: Dividimos os pacientes em dois grupos. Inserimos LMA ProSeal #3 no primeiro grupo e LMA Supreme #3 no segundo grupo. Antes da inserção da LMA e em seguida à sua remoção, fizemos laringoscopia direta nos pacientes. Comparamos entre os dois grupos: hiperemia, lesão de mucosa e as manchas de sangue por ocasião da remoção da LMA, e também o tempo de inserção, percentual de sucesso na inserção do tubo gástrico na primeira tentativa, náusea, vômito e dor de garganta. RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos para tempo médio de operação, gênero, idade, peso, percentual de sucesso na inserção do tubo gástrico na primeira tentativa, náusea, vômito, dor de garganta e lesão de mucosa. O tempo médio de inserção para o grupo LMA ProSeal foi significativamente maior versus grupo LMA Supreme (p = 0,0001). O índice de manchas de sangue na remoção da LMA foi significativamente mais alto no grupo LMA ProSeal versus LMA Supreme (p = 0,034). Os pacientes que apresentaram manchas de sangue por ocasião da remoção da LMA exibiram hiperemia e lesão de mucosa significativamente mais expressivas versus pacientes com LMA limpa (p = 0,0001, p = 0,020). CONCLUSÃO: Em crianças, a inserção da LMA Supreme é mais rápida e fácil do que a inserção da LMA ProSeal; e, em comparação com LMA ProSeal, causa menos lesão laringofaríngea.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laryngeal mask airway (LMA), which has been used frequently in airway management, can cause laryngopharyngeal injury and morbidity. In this trial, we compare the macroscopic changes on laryngopharyngeal structures and the postoperative laryngopharyngeal morbidity by using LMA supreme with LMA proseal in children. METHODS: We divided patients into two groups. We inserted size three LMA proseal into the first group and size three LMA supreme into the second group. Before LMA insertion and after LMA removal, we performed direct laryngoscopy on the patients. We compared hyperemia, mucosal injury and blood staining on LMA removal, as well as insertion time, rate of success in gastric tube insertion on the first attempt, nausea, vomiting, and sore throat between the two groups. RESULTS: We recorded no significant differences between the two groups for mean operation time, sex, age, weight, rate of success in gastric tube insertion on first attempt, nausea, vomiting, sore throat and mucosal injury. Mean insertion time for the LMA proseal group was significantly longer than the LMA supreme group (p = 0.0001). The ratio of blood staining on LMA removal was significantly higher in the LMA proseal group than the LMA supreme group (p = 0.034). The patients with blood staining on LMA removal exhibited significantly more mucosal hyperemia and injury than the patients with clear LMA (p = 0.0001, p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: LMA supreme insertion is faster and easier than LMA proseal and causes less laryngopharyngeal injury than LMA proseal in children.

EXPERIENCIA Y OBJETIVOS: La vía aérea por mascarilla laríngea (LMA), que ha sido utilizada a menudo en el tratamiento de las vías aéreas, puede causar lesión y morbilidad en el área laringofaríngea. En ese estudio, comparamos las alteraciones macroscópicas en las estructuras laringofaríngeas y la morbilidad laringofaríngea postoperatoria por el uso de la LMA Supreme® versus LMA ProSeal® en niños. MÉTODOS: Dividimos los pacientes en dos grupos. Insertamos LMA ProSeal #3 en el primer grupo y LMA Supreme #3 en el segundo grupo. Antes de la inserción de la LMA e inmediatamente después de su retirada, hicimos una laringoscopia directa en los pacientes. Comparamos entre los dos grupos: hiperemia, lesión de mucosa y las manchas de sangre en razón de la retirada de la LMA, y también el tiempo de inserción, porcentaje de éxito en la inserción del tubo gástrico en el primer intento, náusea, vómito y dolor de garganta. RESULTADOS: No fueron observadas diferencias significativas entre los dos grupos para tiempo promedio de operación, sexo, edad, peso, porcentaje de éxito en la inserción del tubo gástrico en el primer intento, náusea, vómito, dolor de garganta y lesión de mucosa. El tiempo promedio de inserción para el grupo LMA ProSeal fue significativamente mayor versus grupo LMA Supreme (p = 0,0001). El índice de manchas de sangre en la retirada de la LMA fue significativamente más alto en el grupo LMA ProSeal versus LMA Supreme (p = 0,034). Los pacientes que tenían manchas de sangre en razón de la retirada de la LMA tenían hiperemia y una lesión de la mucosa significativamente más expresivas versus pacientes con LMA limpia (p = 0,0001, p = 0,020). CONCLUSIONES: En los niños, la inserción de la LMA Supreme es más rápida y fácil que la inserción de la LMA ProSeal; y en comparación con LMA ProSeal, causa menos lesión laringofaríngea.

Cephalometric analysis for the diagnosis of sleep apnea: a comparative study between reference values and measurements obtained for Brazilian subjects

OBJECTIVE: To verify if the reference values of Sleep Apnea cephalometric analysis of North American individuals are similar to the ones of Brazilian individuals presenting no craniofacial anomalies. The study also aimed to identify craniofacial alterations in Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) patients in relation to individuals without clinical characteristics of the disease through this cephalometric analysis. METHOD: It were used 55 lateral cephalograms consisting of 29 for the control group of adult individuals without clinical characteristics of OSAHS and 26 apneic adults. All radiographs were submitted to Sleep Apnea cephalometric analysis through Radiocef Studio 2.0. The standard values of this analysis were compared, by means of z test, to the ones obtained from the control group and these were compared to values from apneic group through Student's t test. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between values obtained from control group and standard values. On the group of OSAHS patients it was observed a decrease on the dimensions of upper airways and an increase on the soft palate length. CONCLUSIONS: The standard values of Sleep Apnea analysis can be used as reference in Brazilian individuals. Besides, through lateral cephalograms it was possible to identify craniofacial alterations in OSAHS patients.

OBJETIVO: verificar se os valores de referência da análise cefalométrica para apneia do sono, referentes a indivíduos norte-americanos, são semelhantes aos de indivíduos brasileiros não portadores de anomalias craniofaciais. Identificar, também por meio dessa análise cefalométrica, alterações craniofaciais em indivíduos portadores de síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono (SAOS) em relação a indivíduos sem características clínicas da doença. MÉTODOS: foram utilizadas 55 radiografias cefalométricas laterais advindas de arquivos, sendo 29 radiografias para o grupo controle, sendo composto de indivíduos adultos sem características clínicas de SAOS, e 26 de indivíduos adultos apneicos. Todas as radiografias foram submetidas à análise cefalométrica para apneia do sono por meio do software Radiocef Studio 2.0. Por meio do teste z, valores-padrão dessa análise foram comparados aos valores obtidos do grupo controle, e esses, por sua vez, foram comparados aos valores do grupo de apneicos por meio do teste t de Student. RESULTADOS: não houve diferenças significativas entre os valores obtidos do grupo controle e os valores-padrão. No grupo de indivíduos portadores de SAOS, observou-se diminuição nas dimensões das vias aéreas superiores e aumento do comprimento do palato mole. CONCLUSÕES: os valores-padrão da análise de apneia do sono podem ser utilizados como referência em indivíduos brasileiros. Além disso, por meio da radiografia cefalométrica lateral foi possível identificar alterações craniofaciais em indivíduos portadores de SAOS.

Comparação da área da faringe na vigília e durante o sono induzido em pacientes com Síndrome da Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono (SAOS) / Comparison of the area of the pharynx during wakefulness and induced sleep in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

O estudo da Síndrome da Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono (SAOS) tem merecido atenção crescente nos últimos anos, uma vez que vários aspectos não foram ainda suficientemente esclarecidos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar, com o uso da Ressonância Magnética (RM), as modificações da área da faringe durante vigília e sono induzido em pacientes portadores de SAOS. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo de 32 pacientes com diagnóstico polissonográfico de SAOS. Todos foram submetidos à aquisição das Imagens por RM, com sequências sagitais de alta definição anatômica, realizadas inicialmente com o paciente em vigília e durante o sono induzido por Propofol. Uma área foi definida no plano sagital na linha média da faringe. Essa região passou a ser denominada como área do plano mediano da faringe (PMF). RESULTADOS: As medidas (mm²) da área do PMF de cada paciente, na vigília e durante o sono induzido, apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significante p< 0,000001. CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes portadores de SAOS sofrem uma significativa redução de 75,5 por cento da área da faringe durante o sono induzido quando comparado à vigília.

The study of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has received growing attention over the past years since various aspects have not been sufficiently established. AIM: To evaluate, with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), changes in the area of the pharynx during wakefulness and induced sleep in patients with OSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of thirty-two patients with a polysomnographic diagnosis of OSA. All patients were submitted to MR imaging in order to obtain high-definition anatomical sagittal sequences during wakefulness and during sleep induced with Propofol. An area was defined on the sagittal plane in the midline of the pharynx. This region was called pharyngeal midplane (PMP) area. RESULTS: A significant difference in PMP area (mm²) was observed between wakefulness and induced sleep in each patient (p < 0.000001). CONCLUSION: The patients with OSA suffer a significant reduction of 75,5 percent in the area of the pharynx during induced sleep compared to wakefulness.

Evaluation of craniofacial morphology in patients with obstructive sleep apnea using lateral cephalometry and dynamic MRI.

Context: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a potentially life-threatening disorder, characterized by repeated collapse of the upper airway during sleep with cessation of breathing. The altered mouth breathing produces morphological changes in craniofacial region. Aim: This study was designed to compare and validate the craniofacial morphological characteristics in patients with OSA using lateral cephalometry and to investigate the dentofacial characteristics of patients with OSA with respect to the obstructive sites determined by dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to more accurately clarify the pathophysiological features. Materials and Methods: 10 patients with OSA were divided into two groups of five each according to their obstructive site determined by dynamic MRI. (1) Obstruction at the retropalatal and retroglossal region (Rp + Rg group) and (2) obstruction at the retropalatal region (Rp group). Lateral cephalogram both in upright and supine position was taken for all the subjects. In addition, dynamic MRI was performed to identify the sites of obstruction of the upper airway. Statistical analysis used: Independent t-test was performed to evaluate the significant difference in the upright cephalometric variables between the study and control group and between the two groups. The changes in skeletal and soft tissue parameters with change in posture was assessed within the study and control group by paired t test. P value of ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The study indicated that the first group of patients with both retropalatal and retroglossal obstruction showed signs of skeletal discrepancy that predisposed to obstruction at the retroglossal level and the soft tissue components like the soft palate and tongue that contributed to retropalatal obstruction. However, the second group of patients with only retropalatal obstruction had primarily soft tissue components associated with increased BMI that contributed to retropalatal obstruction. Conclusion: Evaluation of craniofacial morphology in OSA patients is bound to help the concerned specialist in recognizing the morphological changes induced by altered sleep pattern so as to provide the appropriate treatment.

Forensic medicine identification of manual strangulation: an analysis of 21 cases / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze and summarize the rule of manual strangulation, as well as to look for the key points of injury identification, in order to provide information for formulating and revising the identification regulations.@*METHODS@#Twenty-one cases of manual strangulation from 1963 to 2004 in Xiangfan were reviewed and analyzed according to the characters, symptoms and appraisements.@*RESULTS@#The majority of assaulters in manual strangulation was young adult male and often could find the counteracted wounds on them. The throttling mark reaction usually could be found in victims and the cardinal symptoms were contusion in throat and asphyxiation in ocular region.@*CONCLUSION@#The degree of injuries is mainly moderate and slight. There is some inadaptability in the current regulations.