Assessing the prevalence of velopharyngeal dysfunction and obstructive sleep apnea by correlating cone beam computed tomography parameters of soft palate with the stop bang questionnaire

Abstract

Introduction: The relationship between soft palate length and nasopharyngeal depth can be used to determine the velopharyngeal dysfunction and is called Need's ratio. Need's ratio should be in a range of 0.6–0.7 in normal subjects. Any increase greater than 80% demonstrated a risk for developing velopharyngeal dysfunction. Aim: To assess the prevalence risk rate of obstructive sleep apnea using snoring, tiredness, observed apnea, blood pressure, body mass index, age, neck circumference, gender (STOP-BANG) questionnaire and to evaluate various parameters of the soft palate, pharyngeal depth, and determination of Need's ratio using CBCT. Materials and Method: In this prospective study, patients who reported for CBCT assessment in the age group ranging from 20 to 50 years were included. The sample size of the study was calculated to be 42. Furthermore, the patients were screened with the STOP- BANG questionnaire and shapes of the soft palate, velar length, width, and pharyngeal depth were obtained with the CBCT sections, and Need's ratio was calculated. Results: The collected data were analyzed with IBM. SPSS software 23.0. Based on the results of the STOP- BANG questionnaire, P value was found to be significant. Based on the CBCT parameters, the most common shape was the leaf-shaped soft palate. The velar length, width, and pharyngeal depth were found to be higher in males. Need's ratio was found to be increasing with an increase in age. A significant correlation of risk for OSA was established based on a comparison of questionnaire results with the results obtained from CBCT parameters with Need's ratio. Conclusion: CBCT is a static imaging technique, it can identify the anatomic risk factors for developing sleep apnea.