Changes in Autonomic Nervous System Activity in Children With Spina Bifida: A Case-Control Study / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

Purpose@#We compared heart rate variability parameters between patients with spina bifida and a control group during urodynamic studies, with the goal of evaluating the autonomic nervous system dysfunction present in spina bifida. @*Methods@#Continuous heart rate variability parameters were recorded during 3 successive periods (P0, the 2 minutes prior to the start of filling; P1, from the start of filling to the first desire to void; and P2, from P1 to the end of filling or the start of voiding). The control group consisted of children with vesicoureteral reflux who had undergone video-urodynamic studies. Our study included 11 patients with spina bifida and 9 control participants. @*Results@#At baseline, patients with spina bifida exhibited lower values for the root mean square of successive differences in NN intervals, the percentage of successive R-R interval differences exceeding 50 msec relative to the total number of intervals, and high frequency (HF). In contrast, the low frequency (LF)/HF ratio was elevated in these patients (5.04 ± 4.75 vs. 0.67 ± 0.42, P = 0.014). During bladder filling, LF/HF values increased in the control group (P0, 0.67 ± 0.42; P1, 0.89 ± 0.34; P2, 1.21 ± 0.64; P = 0.018), while they declined in patients with spina bifida (P0, 5.04 ± 4.75; P1, 3.96 ± 4.35; P2, 3.26 ± 4.03; P < 0.001). The HF values were significantly elevated in children with spina bifida during bladder filling (P = 0.002). In the time domain, the standard deviations of all NN intervals were elevated only in the control group during bladder filling. Parasympathetic activity domains were reduced in the children with spina bifida at the initial assessment. @*Conclusions@#During the bladder filling phase, parasympathetic activity increased along with fixed sympathetic activity in the spina bifida group. In contrast, the control group exhibited a shift towards a sympathetic preponderance at the conclusion of bladder filling. These observations may be associated with the pathophysiology of neurogenic bladder in spina bifida.

An Analysis of Major Causes of Surgical Failure Using Bähren System in Intraoperative Venography During Varicocelectomy

Purpose@#In young patients with varicocele, preservation of the internal spermatic artery may be advantageous for catch-up growth, but it may also increase the likelihood of treatment failure. Intraoperative venography reduces the likelihood that unsealed veins will remain after varicocelectomy. We analyzed the characteristics of remnant veins visualized through intraoperative venography to investigate the cause of surgical failure in artery-sparing varicocelectomy (ASV). @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients aged 18 years or younger who underwent varicocelectomy with intraoperative venography from January 2005 to December 2017. During varicocelectomy, intraoperative venography was performed to distinguish veins from other structures. Any unsealed veins that were discovered were ligated and classified using the Bähren system. @*Results@#One hundred and sixty-two patients underwent intraoperative venography: 153 cases (94.4%) were for primary varicocelectomy, and 9 cases (5.6%) were for repeat varicocelectomy. Open varicocelectomy was performed in 105 cases (64.8%), and laparoscopic varicocelectomy was performed in 57 cases (35.2%). Venography revealed remnant veins after the first ligation in 51 cases (31.2%), 46 (90.2%) and 5 (9.8%) of which were Bähren types 3 and 4, respectively. Five patients (3.1%) experienced varicocele recurrence, classified as persistence in 1 patient (0.6%) and relapse in 4 patients (2.5%). @*Conclusion@#Remnant collateral veins of the internal spermatic vein (ISV) (Bähren type 3) are the most common cause of failure in ASV. In a few patients, an external spermatic vein merges with the ISV at a higher level (Bähren type 4) and is unidentifiable without venography.

An Analysis of Major Causes of Surgical Failure Using Bähren System in Intraoperative Venography During Varicocelectomy

Purpose@#In young patients with varicocele, preservation of the internal spermatic artery may be advantageous for catch-up growth, but it may also increase the likelihood of treatment failure. Intraoperative venography reduces the likelihood that unsealed veins will remain after varicocelectomy. We analyzed the characteristics of remnant veins visualized through intraoperative venography to investigate the cause of surgical failure in artery-sparing varicocelectomy (ASV). @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients aged 18 years or younger who underwent varicocelectomy with intraoperative venography from January 2005 to December 2017. During varicocelectomy, intraoperative venography was performed to distinguish veins from other structures. Any unsealed veins that were discovered were ligated and classified using the Bähren system. @*Results@#One hundred and sixty-two patients underwent intraoperative venography: 153 cases (94.4%) were for primary varicocelectomy, and 9 cases (5.6%) were for repeat varicocelectomy. Open varicocelectomy was performed in 105 cases (64.8%), and laparoscopic varicocelectomy was performed in 57 cases (35.2%). Venography revealed remnant veins after the first ligation in 51 cases (31.2%), 46 (90.2%) and 5 (9.8%) of which were Bähren types 3 and 4, respectively. Five patients (3.1%) experienced varicocele recurrence, classified as persistence in 1 patient (0.6%) and relapse in 4 patients (2.5%). @*Conclusion@#Remnant collateral veins of the internal spermatic vein (ISV) (Bähren type 3) are the most common cause of failure in ASV. In a few patients, an external spermatic vein merges with the ISV at a higher level (Bähren type 4) and is unidentifiable without venography.

Renal growth slope in children with congenital and acquired solitary functioning kidneys

Purpose@#This study aimed to analyze the renal growth slope in children with congenital and acquired solitary functioning kidneys. @*Methods@#This retrospective study included all renal ultrasonography examinations performed in children in the agenesis, multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK), or nephrectomy group between September 2002 and February 2019. We reviewed the images and recorded the contralateral kidney size only when there was no focal lesion. Linear mixed model or piecewise linear mixed model analyses with a time point of 24 months of age were performed. @*Results@#There were 132 patients, including 26 patients in the agenesis group, 35 in the MCDK group, and 71 in the nephrectomy group. The nephrectomy group showed the largest baseline kidney size (7.4 cm vs. 5.3 cm in the agenesis group [P<0.001] and 5.2 cm in the MCDK group [P<0.001]) and the smallest overall growth slope (0.04 cm/mo vs. 0.06 cm/mo in the agenesis group [P=0.004] and 0.07 cm/mo in the MCDK group [P<0.001]). However, considering the time point of 24 months for reaching adult renal function, there were significant changes in slope, from 0.1 cm/mo before 24 months of age to 0.03 cm/mo after 24 months of age in all three groups (P<0.001), without a significant difference among the groups. @*Conclusion@#Significant changes were found in the renal growth slope before and after 24 months of age, with no significant difference between congenital and acquired solitary functioning kidneys.

Clinical Features of and Antibiotic Resistance in Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection in Children with Vesicoureteral Reflux

Purpose@#This study aimed to investigate the clinical features of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and to compare the causative uropathogen and antibiotic susceptibility between the first and recurrent UTI episodes. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children with VUR who had recurrent UTI. Group 1 included patients in whom the same pathogen caused the first and recurrent UTI episodes. Group 2 included patients in whom different pathogens caused the first and recurrent UTI episodes. @*Results@#During a 13-year study period (2005–2018), 77 children with VUR experienced at least one episode of UTI. Among these, 47 patients (61.0%) had recurrent UTI. Of the children with recurrent UTI, 19 (40.4%) were in group 1 and 28 (59.6%) were in group 2. Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated uropathogen (n=37; 39.4%) in both episodes of recurrent UTIs, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=18; 19.1%), Enterococcus faecalis (n=14; 14.9%), and Enterobacter aerogenes (n=7; 7.4%). Although the difference was not significant, the rate of resistance to the antibiotics ceftazidime, piperacillin/tazobactam, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole increased in patients with the second episode of E. coli recurrence in group 1, and that to cefotaxime, ceftazidime, piperacillin/tazobactam, and meropenem increased in children with the second episode of E. aerogenes recurrence in group 1. @*Conclusions@#When selecting empirical antibiotics for recurrent UTI in children with VUR, it is important to consider that the pathogen and antimicrobial susceptibility of the previous UTI are not always the same in recurrent UTIs.

Weakness of the Pelvic Floor Muscle and Bladder Neck Is Predicted by a Slight Rise in Abdominal Pressure During Bladder Filling: A Video Urodynamic Study in Children / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate the significance of slowly rising abdominal pressure (SRAP), which is often observed in nonneurogenic children during bladder filling in video urodynamic studies (VUDSs). METHODS: The records of patients who underwent VUDS from July 2011 to June 2013 were reviewed. SRAP was defined as a rising curve over 5 cm H2O from the baseline abdominal pressure during the filling phase in VUDS. Bladder descent was defined when the base of the bladder was below the upper line of the pubic symphysis. An open bladder neck was defined as the opening of the bladder neck during the filling phase. RESULTS: Of the 488 patients, 285 were male patients. The mean age at VUDS was 3.7 years (range, 0.2-17.6 years). The VUDS findings were as follows: SRAP, 20.7% (101 of 488); descending bladder, 14.8% (72 of 488); and bladder neck opening, 4.3% (21 of 488). Of the 72 patients with a descending bladder, 84.7% had SRAP. A significant difference in the presence of SRAP was found between the descending bladder and the normal bladder (P<0.001). Of the 101 patients with SRAP, 40 (39.6%) did not have a descending bladder. Of the 40 patients, 14 (35.0%) had a bladder neck opening, which was a high incidence compared with the 4.3% in all subjects (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SRAP was associated with a descending bladder or a bladder neck opening, suggesting that SRAP is a compensatory response to urinary incontinence. SRAP may also predict decreased function of the bladder neck or pelvic floor muscle.

Delayed redo pyeloplasty fails to recover lost renal function after failed pyeloplasty: Early sonographic changes that correlate with a loss of differential renal function

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in differential renal function (DRF), as a functional outcome, in children who underwent redo pyeloplasty for management of failed pyeloplasty and to examine the factors that affect functional outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2002 and November 2010, a total of 18 patients who underwent redo pyeloplasty for persistent ureteropelvic junction obstruction after failed pyeloplasty were enrolled in this study. We assessed perioperative factors and evaluated changes in renal cortical thickness (RCT), renal function, and hydronephrosis by use of serial ultrasound and diuretic renography. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 44.83+/-28.86 months. After redo pyeloplasty, prevention of further functional deterioration was observed in only 12 of the 18 patients. After dividing the patients according to this observation, we discovered significant differences in both change in DRF (dDRF) and change in RCT (dRCT) (difference between before and after initial pyeloplasty) between the two groups (p<0.001). Additionally, we noted a significant positive correlation between dRCT and dDRF. All patients showed improvements in hydronephrosis grade and relief of symptoms compared with before redo pyeloplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Redo pyeloplasty should be considered in cases of failed pyeloplasty to preserve renal function and obtain relief from symptoms. If patients show severe deterioration of DRF or a decrease in RCT after initial pyeloplasty, preservation of DRF in these patients after redo pyeloplasty could be difficult. Therefore, redo pyeloplasty should be performed before severe deterioration of DRF or decrease in RCT.

Is a secondary procedure necessary in every case of failed endoscopic treatment for vesicoureteral reflux?

PURPOSE: Endoscopic treatment (ET) has become a widely accepted procedure for treating vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). However, patients followed up after ET over long periods have reported persistent or recurrent VUR. We evaluated the natural course of failed ET in patients who required further treatments to help physicians in making decisions on the treatment of VUR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with VUR and underwent ET from January 2006 to December 2009. A total of 165 patients with 260 ureters underwent ET. We compared the parameters of the patients according to ET success or failure and evaluated the natural course of the patients after ET failure. RESULTS: Mean VUR grade and positive photon defect were higher in the failed ET group than in the successful ET group. Six months after the operation, persistent or recurrent VUR was observed in 76 ureters (29.2%), and by 16.3 months after the operation, VUR resolution was observed in 18 ureters (23.7%). Twenty-five ureters (32.9%) without complications were observed conservatively. Involuntary detrusor contraction was found in 1 of 9 (11.1%) among the secondary ET success group, whereas in the secondary ET failure group, 4 of 6 (66.7%) had accompanying involuntary detrusor contraction. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in whom ET fails can be observed for spontaneous resolution of VUR unless they have febrile urinary tract infection or decreased renal function. Urodynamic study may be helpful in deciding whether a secondary procedure after ET failure is necessary.

Efficacy, Tolerability, and Safety of Oxybutynin Chloride in Pediatric Neurogenic Bladder With Spinal Dysraphism: A Retrospective, Multicenter, Observational Study

PURPOSE: Anticholinergics are a key element in treating neurogenic detrusor overactivity, but only limited data are available in the pediatric population, thus limiting the application to children even for oxybutynin chloride (OC), a prototype drug. This retrospective study was designed to provide data regarding the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of OC in the pediatric population (0-15 years old) with spinal dysraphism (SD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records relevant to OC use for neurogenic bladder were gathered and scrutinized from four specialized clinics for pediatric urology. The primary efficacy outcomes were maximal cystometric capacity (MCC) and end filling pressure (EFP). Data on tolerability, compliance, and adverse events (AEs) were also analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 121 patient records analyzed, 41 patients (34%) received OC at less than 5 years of age. The range of prescribed doses varied from 3 to 24 mg/d. The median treatment duration was 19 months (range, 0.3-111 months). Significant improvement of both primary efficacy outcomes was noted following OC treatment. MCC increased about 8% even after adjustment for age-related increases in MCC. Likewise, mean EFP was reduced from 33 to 21 cm H2O. More than 80% of patients showed compliance above 70%, and approximately 50% of patients used OC for more than 1 year. No serious AEs were reported; constipation and facial flushing consisted of the major AEs. CONCLUSIONS: OC is safe and efficacious in treating pediatric neurogenic bladder associated with SD. The drug is also tolerable and the safety profile suggests that adjustment of dosage for age may not be strictly observed.

Retroperitoneoscopic Partial Nephrectomy in a Horseshoe Kidney

A 21-year-old woman with a 4 cm enhancing cystic renal mass in the left moiety of a horseshoe kidney was treated through a retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach. The tumor was excised completely with cold scissors, and renal parenchyma suturing with a surgical bolster was done with Vicryl 2-0 sutures. Choosing the proper approach according to the location of the lesion and the surgeon's experience with both approaches are of importance in laparoscopic surgery in horseshoe kidney cases. A preoperative kidney computed tomography angiography was helpful for understanding the complex renal vasculature.

Incidentally Detected Inguinoscrotal Bladder Hernia

The bladder is involved in less than 4% of inguinal hernias. Inguinoscrotal bladder hernias are difficult to diagnose, and less than 7% are diagnosed preoperatively. Inguinoscrotal bladder hernias are usually asymptomatic. However, they can result in significant complications, such as bladder necrosis or acute renal failure. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid bladder injury during surgery and other complications. Here we report the case of a 64-year-old man who presented with a scrotal mass. Ultrasonography of the scrotal mass showed a nonspecific cystic mass. During surgery, the mass was revealed to be a herniated bladder.

Comparison of Extraperitoneal and Transperitoneal Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy in Prostate Cancer: A Single Surgeon's Experience

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the extraperitoneal robotic radical prostatectomy (ERP), we compared the results of transperitoneal robotic radical prostatectomy (TRP) with those of ERP performed by a single surgeon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All operation was performed by a single surgeon, who had the experience of more than 150 transperitoneal cases. Recently, 30 cases were performed through transperitoneal approach, and then extraperitoneal approach was applied to next 30 cases. We compared the clinicopathologic parameters and perioperative outcomes between two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in mean age, body mass index (BMI), preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, prostatectomy Gleason scores and pathologic T stage between two groups, whereas positive surgical margin rate was significantly lower in ERP. There was no significant difference in total operation time, whereas console time, and vesicourethral anastomosis time significantly decreased in ERP. There were no significant differences in postoperative normal diet start day, the duration of hospital stay and bladder catheterization. There were no significant differences in the amount of estimated blood loss and the number of resected lymph nodes. In both groups, there were no inadvertent organ injury during trocar placement and conversion to open surgery, whereas 1 case of lymphocele in ERP was recovered with conservative care. CONCLUSIONS: ERP showed similar perioperative outcomes compared to TRP. Considering the potential risk of bowel injury in TRP and reduced peritoneal irritation in ERP, ERP may be alternative in robotic radical prostatectomy.

Effects of Ipriflavone on bone remodeling in the rat calvarial cell / 대한치과교정학회지

Ipriflavone (isoprofoxyisoflavone), a synthetic derivative from soy isoflavone diazein, has been shown to inhibit bone resorption and perhaps stimulate bone formation. This study was performed to examine the effects of ipriflavone on the proliferation and bone remodeling in rat calvarial cells in vitro. The rat calvarial cells were isolated from fetus aged 20 to 21 days and cultured in BGJb media. The graded concentration of ipriflavone (10(-9)-10(-5) M) was administered into cultured cells. When the cell proliferation was estimated through the measurement of MTT assay, there was no increase in cellular proliferation of the rat calvarial cell at any ipriflavone concentration. The cellular activity was evaluated through the formation of mineralized nodules stained by alizarin red. The formation of mineralized nodules significantly increased at concentrations of 10(-8) M, 10(-7) M and 10(-6) M ipriflavone. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses (RT-PCR) were done at 7 and 14 days after culture to detect the expression of Bone Sialoprotein (BSP), Type I Collagen (COL I) and Osteocalcin (OCN). As a result, the expressions of BSP and COL I increased on the 7th day of culture and the expression of OCN increased on the 14th day of culture. These results indicate that ipriflavone facilitates the bone remodeling process by promoting rat calvarial cell differentiation and stimulating mineralization through increased expression of extracellular matrix genes, such as BSP, COL I and OCN.

A Case of Primary Endometrial Squamous Cell Carcinoma / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the endometrium is very rare. In 1928 Flumann suggested three criteria for diagnosis: (1) no coexisting endometrial adenocarcinoma, (2) no connection between the endometrial squamous cell carcinoma and squamous epithelium of the cervix, and (3) no cervical squamous cell carcinoma. In 1975, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated Flumann's criteria by adding that the tumor must contain clear evidence of squamous differentiation, such as the presence of intercellular bridges and/or keratin. Most patients with endometrial squmamous cell carcinoma have had poor prognosis regardless of their stages of disease or treatment. In this report we present the clinical and pathological findings of a case of a primary squamous cell carcinoma that developed in the endometrial cavity of a 65-year-old patient with a review of the concerned literatures.

An Analysis of Clinicopathologic Factors Affecting Survival in Patients with Invasive Cervical Carcinoma / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics of cervical carcinoma and to evaluate the prognostic factors which have an impact on 5-year survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 575 patients with invasive cervical carcinoma treated at Samsung Medical Center from November 1994 to January 2000, for whom the records were retrospectively analyzed, were included in this study. Of the 575 patients, 499 patients were primarily treated by surgery including conization or type I, II, III hysterectomy. Medical records including pathologic reports were reviewed to identify clinicopathologic characteristics. Survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test was used for curve comparison. Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The age distribution of patients was from 26 to 84 years old, and the peak incidence was in the 5th decade. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage distribution of invasive cervical cancer was 76.4%, 19.2%, 1.9%, 1.2% for stage I, II, III, IV respectively. Among 354 patients with FIGO stage Ib and II a, 325 patients were treated by type III hysterectomy. The overall 5-year survival of 575 patients was 91.9%, and the 5-year disease-free survival rate (DFSR) according to FIGO stage was as follows: Ia 97.5%, Ib 95.5%, II a 85%, IIb 66.8%, III/IV 42%. The frequency of lymph node metastasis was 10.2% in stage Ib and 25.4% in stage II a. In multivariate analysis, only FIGO stage and lymph node involvement remained independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: This study showed that clinical stage and lymph node involvement status are identified as independent prognostic factors in the patients with cervical cancer.

An Analysis of Clinicopathologic Prognostic Factors Affecting Survival in Patients with Uterine Endometrial Cancer / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic factors of uterine endometrial cancer affecting survival of the patients. METHODS: Form Jan. 1995 to Dec. 2001, medical records including operation record and pathologic reports of 111 patients with histologically proven endometrial cancer at Samsung Medical Center were reviewed. The survival of patients was determined by description of last follow up date in medical records or phone calls. RESULTS: The median age of all patients was 52 years and the most common presenting symptom was abnormal vaginal bleeding (74.0%). Histologic type of endometrioid adenocarcinoma was the most common (90%) type of all endometrial cancers. The grades were classified into G1 (65.7%), G2 (17.1%), G3 (12.6%) and unknown (4.5%). The FIGO surgical stage was also classified into stage I(75.7%), stage II (14.4%), stage III (9.0%), and stage IV (0.9%). All patients were treated by primary surgery and postoperative adjuvant therapy including radiation therapy (54.1%), chemotherapy (4.5%) was applied. The overall 5-year disease free survival rate (DFSR) was 86.5% and overall 5-year survival rate was 87.8%. The age (p=0.04), grade (p=0.04), myometrial invasion (p=0.047), FIGO surgical stage (p=0.0067), lymph node metastasis (p=0.0001), lymphovascular space invasion (p=0.01) and C-erb B2 (p=0.04) were significant prognostic factors by univariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The age, grade, myometrial invasion, FIGO surgical stage, lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular space invasion and C-erb B2 were significant prognostic factors of uterine endometrial cancer affecting survival of the patients.

Prenatal Sonographic Diagnosis of an Isolated Agnathia: A Case Report / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Agnathia is a rare malformation derived from the first brachial arch malformation. Most reported cases of agnathia have been associated with other lethal anomalies. However, the infant reported here did not have any specific anomaly other than agnathia and aglossia. We present a case of isolated agnathia which was diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography with a brief review of literatures.

A case of Primary Leiomyosarcoma of the Vagina / 대한산부인과학회잡지

The primary leiomyosarcoma of the vagina is very rare tumor in the female lower genital tract. A case of primary leiomyosarcoma of the vagina in the 44 years old woman was presented with lower abdominal pain and cystic and solid mass in the vagina. The mass was mainly comprised with spindle shaped cells showing moderate degree of cellular atypia and mitosis up to 8/10HPF. The mainstay of treatment is surgical excision of the primary mass. Treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy usually reserved for inoperable or recurrent cases. We present this case with a review of literature.

A cephalometric study on the airway size according to the types of the malocclusion / 대한치과교정학회지

This study was performed to compare the size of soft palate, tongue and airway according to the types of the malocclusion and evaluate the correlation between the size of soft palate, tongue, airway and dentofacial skeleton respectively. The sample of this study was 98 malocclusion female patients between the ages 12 and 17 years. The lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken and the distance, angle, ratio and area of the dentofacial skeleton, soft palate, tongue and airway were measured and evaluated statistically. The results obtained were as follows : 1. There was significant difference in SNB, ANB, facial angle, facial convexity, A-B plane angel, Y axis to FH, SN-MP, Wits appraisal, ODI and APDI according to the types of malocclusion. 2. The hyoid bone was more posteriorly positioned in Class II malocclusion group than other two groups and superior-inferior position of the hyoid bone was not different according to the malocclusion types. 3. The nasopharyngeal area of Class II and Class III malocclusion group was smaller than that of Class I malocclusion group, and the pharyngeal area of Class II malocclusion group was smaller than that of Class I and Class III malocclusion group. There was no difference of the area of the soft palate, tongue, oropharynx and hypopharynx according to malocclusion types. 4. The ramal height and mandibular body length(Go-Me) showed positive correlation with the area of tongue, nasopharynx, oropharynx, and pharynx. SNA did not correlated with the area of tongue and airway but SNB showed positive correlation with the area of hypopharynx and pharynx. The anterior, posterior facial height, upper and lower central incisor position to facial plane showed positive correlation with tongue area.