Abstract:
Objectives : To compare parameters of upper airway dimension from upright CBCT between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and habitual snorers as well as to investigate the relationship of CBCT values combined with STOP-BANG questionnaire. Methods : Forty five samples, consisting of 14 habitual snorers (AHI < 5 events/hour) and 31 consecutive OSA patients (AHI ≥ 15 events/hour), were recruited for this study. Volumetric data from an upright CBCT unit (3D Accuitomo 170, J.Morita) with 140x100 mm field of view were obtained; meanwhile, STOP-BANG questionnaire were completed. Upper airway dimensions from CBCT data were measured using InVivo 5.1 software by one investigator twice within 1-week interval. All data were then statistically analyzed using SPSS software. Results : There were statistically significant differences among habitual snorers and OSA subjects in terms of CBCT parameters including volume, minimum cross-sectional area, average cross-sectional area, anteroposterior and lateral dimensions, and uniformity of the airway and soft palate length. For the STOP-BANG questionnaire, OSA subjects were observed to be older, being male, having more loudly snoring, and having observed apnea. Conclusions : Volume, minimum cross-sectional area, average cross-sectional area, anteroposterior and lateral dimensions, and uniformity of the airway and soft palate length were statistically significant different between habitual snorers and OSA subjects. These parameters could be of use to develop a prediction model in a group of Thai population.
