Retrospective study on the airway obstruction aspects of computed tomography and lateral cephalometry and the correlation of polysomnography in obstructive sleep apnea patients

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Lateral cephalometry, computed tomography (CT) and full-night polysomnography were used to examine the correlation of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 29 patients (5 females, 24 males) diagnosed with OSA were evaluated by lateral cephalometry, CT and full-night polysomnography. Lateral cephalometry was performed in the closed and open mouth states. The radiographic and polysomnography measurements of the patients with OSA were evaluated statistically to determine the association with OSA severity. RESULTS: A significant relationship was observed between the increased respiratory disturbance index and closing lateral cephalometry. With mouth opening, the airway space narrowed and the OSA worsened. Lateral cephalometry revealed OSA patients to have an inferiorly positioned hyoid bone, longer-than-normal soft palate and narrowing airway space. As OSA was severe, the airway shape was ovoid in the CT horizontal view. CONCLUSION: Polysomnography and the radiographic parameter can be used for diagnosing OSA.