Análise comparativa da atividade velofaríngea aferida por rinometria acústica e rinomanometria / Comparative analysis of velopharyngeal activity assessed by acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a atividade velofaríngea (VF) de indivíduos com disfunção velofaríngea (DVF) aferida por rinometria acústica, comparativamente à rinomanometria. Métodos: Estudo clínico prospectivo em 41 adultos, de ambos os gêneros, com fissura de palato±lábio previamente operada e DVF residual ao exame clínico, sem articulação compensatória nas plosivas surdas [p], [t] e [k]. Variáveis analisadas: (1) variação volumétrica da nasofaringe (∆V) na produção das três plosivas, relativamente ao repouso, por rinometria acústica (reduções <3 cm3 foram consideradas como ausência de atividade velofaríngea); (2) área do orifício velofaríngeo (área VF), por rinomanometria anterior modificada; áreas ≥0,05 cm2 foram consideradas como fechamento inadequado. Na comparação das técnicas foi utilizada a plosiva [p] (n=24). Resultados: Observou-se: (1) ∆V médio de 18% no [k], significantemente menor (p<0,05) que a redução relatada para normais (30%); valores de ∆V sugestivos de DVF constatados em 59% dos casos. Resultados similares foram obtidos no [p] e [t], mostrando-se mais apropriados para o exame rinométrico, por não envolverem a participação da língua no fechamento velofaríngeo, diferentemente da plosiva velar [k]; (2) fechamento VF inadequado em 85% dos casos. Não houve correlação significativa entre o ∆V e a área do orifício velofaríngeo. A concordância de diagnóstico entre os métodos ocorreu em 51% dos casos. Conclusão: A rinometria acústica não apresentou boa acurácia como método de diagnóstico da DVF frente ao método padrão. Demonstrou, contudo, potencial como método de acompanhamento dos resultados de intervenções clínico-cirúrgicas que levem à maior atividade velar e faríngea.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze the velopharyngeal (VP) activity of subjects with velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) by acoustic rhinometry, as compared to rhinomanometry. Methods: This was a prospective clinical study conducted in 41 adults, both genders, with repaired cleft palate, with or without a previously repaired cleft lip, and residual VPD on clinical assessment, without compensatory articulations for [p], [t], and [k]. The outcome measures were as follows: (1) on acoustic rhinometry, nasopharyngeal volumetric change (ΔV) during [p], [t], and [k], relatively to rest condition (decreases by <3 cm3 considered as absence of VP activity); (2) on modified anterior rhinomanometry, VP orifice area (areas ≥0.05 cm2 considered as inadequate closure). The plosive [p] was used when comparing the techniques (n=24). Results: (1) A mean ΔV decrease of 18% was observed during [k], which was significantly lower (p<0.05) than the decrease reported for individuals without VPD (30%). ΔV values suggesting VPD were observed in 59% subjects. Similar results were obtained for [p] and [t], which shall be used as stimulus, given that they do not involve the use of the tongue to lift the velum during VP closure, differently from the velar plosive [k]. (2) Inadequate closure was seen in 85% subjects. No correlation was observed between ∆V and VP orifice area. Agreement between techniques was observed in 51% cases. Conclusion: Acoustic rhinometry had low accuracy as a diagnostic method of VPD when compared to the gold standard method. Nevertheless, the technique shows potential as a method for monitoring the outcomes of clinical and surgical treatment of VPD aimed at increasing velar and pharyngeal activity.

Therapeutic efficacy of a hybrid mandibular advancement device in the management of obstructive sleep apnea assessed with acoustic reflection technique.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common forms of sleep‑disordered breathing. Various treatment modalities include behavior modification therapy, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), oral appliance therapy, and various surgical modalities. Oral appliances are noninvasive and recommended treatment modality for snoring, mild to moderate OSA cases and severe OSA cases when patient is not compliant to CPAP therapy and unwilling for surgery. Acoustic reflection technique (ART) is a relatively new modality for three‑dimensional assessment of airway caliber in various clinical situations. The accuracy and reproducibility of acoustic rhinometry and acoustic pharyngometry assessment are comparable to computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. This case report highlights the therapeutic efficacy of an innovative customized acrylic hybrid mandibular advancement device in the management of polysomnography diagnosed OSA cases, and the treatment results were assessed by ART.

Velar activity in individuals with velopharyngeal insufficiency assessed by acoustic rhinometry

Acoustic rhinometry is routinely used for the evaluation of nasal patency. Objective: To investigate whether the technique is able to identify the impairment of velopharyngeal (VP) activity in individuals with clinical diagnosis of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). Methods: Twenty subjects with repaired cleft palate and inadequate velopharyngeal function (IVF) and 18 non-cleft controls with adequate velopharyngeal function (AVF), adults, of both genders, were evaluated. Area-distance curves were obtained during VP rest and speech activity, using an Eccovision Acoustic Rhinometry system. Volume was determined by integrating the area under the curve at the segment corresponding to the nasopharynx. VP activity (ΔV) was estimated by the absolute and relative differences between nasopharyngeal volume at rest (Vr) and during an unreleased /k/ production (Vk). The efficiency of the technique to discriminate IVF and AVF was assessed by a ROC curve. Results: Mean Vk and Vr values (±SD) obtained were: 23.2±3.6 cm3 and 15.9±3.8 cm3 (AVF group), and 22.7±7.9 cm3 and 20.7±7.4 cm3 (IVF group), corresponding to a mean ΔV decay of 7.3 cm3 (31%) for the AVF group and a significantly smaller ΔV decay of 2.0 cm3 (9%) for the IVF group (p<0.05). Seventy percent of the IVF individuals showed a ΔV suggesting impaired VP function (below the cutoff score of 3.0 cm3 which maximized both sensitivity and specificity of the test), confirming clinical diagnosis. Conclusion: Acoustic rhinometry was able to identify, with a good discriminatory power, the impairment of VP activity which characterizes VPI. .

Acurácia da rinometria na avaliação da válvula nasal: estudo em 385 pacientes / The accuracy of rhinometry in the evaluation of the nasal valve: study in 385 patients

Introdução: A rinometria acústica (RA) avalia área e volume de regiões anteriores do nariz. O início do rinograma apresenta dois entalhes: o segundo corresponde à área de secção transversa da válvula nasal (ASM2). O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a válvula nasal. Método: Foram incluídos neste estudo 385 pacientes, 93 com queixa funcional. Utilizamos o aparelho de rinometria acústica da Rhinometrics, o Rhino Scan 2.5. Os gráficos foram armazenados e a ASM2 (exame com vasoconstrictor) foi analisada para determinar os parâmetros da rinometria nos pacientes com e sem queixa funcional. Resultados: Dentre os pacientes avaliados, observamos: 224 pacientes com ASM2 > 0,40cm² sem queixa funcional, 68 pacientes com ASM2 entre 0,25 e 0,40 cm² sem queixa funcional e 93 pacientes com queixa funcional, sendo 28 entre 0,25 e 0,40 cm² e 65 < 0,25 cm². Discussão: Os resultados observados demonstram que nenhum paciente com ASM2 maior do que 0,40 cm2 tem queixa funcional, o que permite classificar a válvula nasal interna como funcionante, assim como nenhum paciente com ASM2 menor do que 0,25 cm² consegue respirar adequadamente, o que leva a uma condição de válvula denominada insuficiente. Alguns pacientes com ASM2 entre 0,25 e 0,40cm² apresentaram queixa funcional, enquanto outros não, portanto, as válvulas nasais com este valor de área de secção transversa são classificadas como limítrofes. Conclusão: Rinometria é o único método que avalia a insuficiência da válvula nasal interna de maneira objetiva.

Introduction: Acoustic rhinometry (RA) is evaluates area and volume of regions above the nose. The beginning of rhinogram presents two notches: the second is the cross-sectional area of the nasal valve (ASM2). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the nasal valve, which limits the area for greater resistance to nasal airflow, about half the total resistance in patients with and without nasal respiratory complaint. Methods: The study included 385 patients in this study, 93 with functional complaint. We use the apparatus of the acoustic rhinometry Rhinometrics, the Rhino Scan 2.5. The graphics were stored and ASM2 (examination with vasoconstrictor) were analyzed to determine the parameters of rhinometry in patients with and without functional complaint. Results: 224 patients with ASM2> 0.40 cm² without complaint functional, 68 patients with ASM2 between 0.25 and 0.40 cm² without complaint functional and 93 patients with functional complaint, being 28 between 0.25 and 0.40 cm² and 65 <0.25 cm². Discussion: The findings show that no patient with ASM2 greater than 0.40 cm² have functional complaint, which qualify as the internal nasal valve functioning, and no patient with ASM2 less than 0.25 cm² can breathe properly, which leads to a condition called insufficient valve. Some patients with ASM2 between 0.25 and 0.40 cm² have complained functional, while others do not, therefore, the nasal valve with a figure of cross-sectional area are classified as borderline. Conclusion: The Rhinometry is the only method that assesses the failure of internal nasal valve so objective.

Rol de la rinometría acústica en la evaluación de los pacientes candidatos a rinoseptoplastía / Role of acoustic rhinometry in assessing rhinoseptoplasty candidates

Introducción: La obstrucción nasal es un síntoma de difícil evaluación particularmente en pacientes candidatos a rinoseptoplastía. Existen diferentes métodos para valorarla, dentro de los cuales se encuentra la rinometría acústica, la cual entrega las áreas transversales y volúmenes nasales en función de la distancia desde las narinas. Objetivos: El objetivo del presente trabajo fue compararlos resultados de la rinometría acústica con los obtenidos por otros métodos de evaluación de la obstrucción nasal. Material y método: Se diseñó un estudio prospectivo, descriptivo. Se evaluaron 26 fosas nasales correspondientes a 13 pacientes candidatos a rinoseptoplastía, mediante rinoscopía anterior, endoscopía nasal, rinomanometría y sensación subjetiva de obstrucción nasal referida por el paciente. Luego se comparó dicha evaluación con los datos obtenidos mediante la rinometría acústica. Resultados: Se obtuvo una buena asociación entre los valores entregados por la rinometría acústica y tanto la sensación subjetiva de obstrucción nasal referida por el paciente como la rinomanometría. Por otra parte, no hubo buena asociación entre la rinometría acústica y tanto la rinoscopía anterior como la endoscopía. Conclusiones: La rinometría acústica es una herramienta útil para la evaluación de la obstrucción nasal de pacientes candidatos a rinoseptoplatía, sin embargo no reemplaza la correcta valoración clínica.

Introduction: Nasal obstruction is difficult to evaluate, particularly in candidates to rhinoseptoplasty. One of the methods available to assess nasal obstruction is acoustic rhinometry, which yields an estimate of nasal cross-sectional area and nasal volume as a function of distance from the nostrils. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare results from acoustic rhinometry to those obtained using other nasal obstruction evaluation methods. Alternative methods used were: Anterior rhinoscopy nasal endoscopy rhinomanometry, and subjective sensation of nasal obstruction as reported by the patient. Material and method: A prospective, descriptive study design was used, evaluating a total of 26 patients. Results: A good association was found between the values produced by acoustic rhinometry and those obtained by rhinomanometry and the subjective sensation of nasal obstruction reported by patients. On the other hand, the association between acoustic rhinometry and both anterior rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopy was weak. Conclusion: Acoustic rhinometry is an useful tool for assessing nasal obstruction in rhinoseptoplasty patients. However, it does not surpass a good clinical evaluation.

Avaliação do volume nasal por rinometria acústica antes e após atividade física aeróbica / Comparison of the areas under the curves with pressure load, mean blood pressure values obtained by 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and left ventricular mass index

Para se avaliar os efeitos do exercício físico sobre a patência nasal, 19 indivíduos hígidos foram submetidos a testes físicos em cicloergômetro. Foram três testes distintos, ou no tempo de duração, ou na intensidade da carga utilizada. Em cada teste, a medida do volume nasal foi feita por rinometria acústica imediatamente após o fim do teste físico, nos minutos décimo e vigésimo de seu final. Calculado porcentagem de melhora.Verificou-se que o grau de melhora do volume nasal foi significativo nos três testes realizados, a duração do exercício físico exerce maior efeito no volume nasal do que a intensidade, e nos três testes o volume nasal no vigésimo minuto retornou aos níveis de repouso / To determine the degree of improvement in nasal volume, 19 healthy subjects were underwent three different physical tests in ergometric bicycle, regarding length, intensity and load. Acoustic rhinometry was carried out at the final tenth and twentieth minutes of exercise as well as at the end of each test. The improvement rates were calculated. The degree of nasal volume improvement related to exercise was considerable, exercise length, compared to intensity, showed to provide a higher degree of improvement in nasal volume, and in the three tests, nasal volume at the final twentieth minute showed to be similar to that at rest...

Rinometria acústica: correlação anatômica dos dois primeiros entalhes encontrados no rinograma / Acoustic rhinometry: anatomic correlation of the two first notches found in the nasal echogram

O gráfico obtido pela rinometria acústica mostra dois entalhes no início do rinograma. Porém, na literatura, existe controvérsia a que esses entalhes se referem. O objetivo deste estudo foi obter dados que contribuam para a correlação anatômica desses dois entalhes. Foram analisados rinogramas em condição basal, após o uso de vasoconstritor tópico e após obliteração da válvula nasal. Identificou-se, respectivamente, diminuição e aumento significante da área de secção transversal apenas do segundo entalhe. A análise dos resultados sugeriu que o primeiro entalhe se refere à narina, e o segundo, à válvula nasal. /The graphic obtained by the acoustic rhinometry shows two notches in the beginning of the nasal echogram. However, there are controversies in the literature concerning the part of the nasal cavity to which these notches refer. The aim of this study was to obtain data that would contribute to the anatomic correlation of these two notches. We analyzed the nasal echogram in basal conditions, after decongestion and obliteration of the nasal valve. We identified, respectively, statistically significant diminishing and increasing of the cross-sectional area only for the second notch. The analysis of the results suggested that the first notch refers to the nostril and the second refers to the nasal valve...