Oropharyngeal Airway Volume Research Articles

Accuracy of deep learning-based upper airway segmentation

IntroductionIn orthodontic treatments, accurately assessing the upper airway volume and morphology is essential for proper diagnosis and planning. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is used for assessing upper airway volume through manual, semi-automatic, and automatic airway segmentation methods. This study evaluates upper airway segmentation accuracy by comparing the results of an automatic model and a semi-automatic method against the gold standard manual method. Materials and methodsAn automatic segmentation model was trained using the MONAI Label framework to segment the upper airway from CBCT images. An open-source program, ITK-SNAP, was used for semi-automatic segmentation. The accuracy of both methods was evaluated against manual segmentations. Evaluation metrics included Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC), Precision, Recall, 95% Hausdorff Distance (HD), and volumetric differences. ResultsThe automatic segmentation group averaged a DSC score of 0.915±0.041, while the semi-automatic group scored 0.940±0.021, indicating clinically acceptable accuracy for both methods. Analysis of the 95% HD revealed that semi-automatic segmentation (0.997±0.585) was more accurate and closer to manual segmentation than automatic segmentation (1.447±0.674). Volumetric comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences between automatic and manual segmentation for total, oropharyngeal, and velopharyngeal airway volumes. Similarly, no significant differences were noted between the semi-automatic and manual methods across these regions. ConclusionIt has been observed that both automatic and semi-automatic methods, which utilise open-source software, align effectively with manual segmentation. Implementing these methods can aid in decision-making by allowing faster and easier upper airway segmentation with comparable accuracy in orthodontic practice.

Assessment of maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures in skeletal Class II patients with different growth patterns.

To evaluate maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressures, which are reflective of respiratory muscle strength, in skeletal Class II patients with different growth patterns (horizontal, average, and vertical) and to correlate those with airway dimension. Patients with a Class II skeletal base seeking orthodontic treatment were assigned to the following groups: average, horizontal, and vertical growth pattern. The control group (n = 14) comprised patients with a Class I skeletal base and average growth pattern. Airway dimensions were obtained using cone-beam computed tomography scans, and a spirometer with a pressure transducer was used for assessment of MIP and MEP. Routine spirometry for assessment of lung function was also performed. No significant differences were found in maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures for the study groups in comparison with the control group. Class I patients had significantly greater oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airway volumes compared with the study groups. No significant difference in minimal cross-section area of the airway was observed among groups. A weak positive correlation between maximal inspiratory pressure and airway volume was observed. Although Class I patients displayed significantly greater oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airway volumes, there was no significant difference in respiratory muscle strength or airway function between Class II patients with different growth patterns and the Class I control group. The findings underscore the significance of exploring factors beyond craniofacial growth patterns that may contribute to sleep-related breathing disorders.

Assessment of oropharyngeal respiratory volume and sleep apnoea scores using peripheral arterial tonometry may improve diagnosis and treatment planning of combined dysgnathia therapy approaches.

Increased daytime sleepiness is a frequently reported symptom in patients with pronounced dysgnathia. This study investigated possible correlations using home peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) and oropharyngeal airway volume determination in patients with dysgnathia and daytime sleepiness. Twenty patients (13 male, median age 27.6 ± 6.8 years) with abnormal sleep history and 10 skeletal neutral configured controls (6 male, median age 29.5 ± 4.2 years) with normal sleep history were examined. Patients and controls were evaluated for apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), snoring volume (dB), total sleep time (TST) and REM-percentage (REM). Airway volumetry was measured via CBCT. Individual user experience for PAT was assessed using the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ). Patients had significantly higher respiratory scores than controls. AHI increased 4.6-fold (p = .006), RDI 2.5-fold (p = .008) and ODI 6.4-fold (p < .001). Oropharyngeal volumes showed a 30% decrease (p = .003). dB, TST and REM showed no significant differences. AHI (r = -.51; p = .005), ODI (r = -.60; p < .001) and RDI (r = -.45; p = .016) correlated negatively with pharyngeal volume. Wits appraisal correlated negatively with oropharyngeal volume (r = -.47; p = .010) and positively with AHI (r = .41; p = .03) and ODI (r = .49; p = .007). dB and TST (r = -.49; p = .008) and REM and RDI (r = -.43; p = .02) correlated negatively. UEQ-KPI (2.17 ± 0.24) confirmed excellent usability of PAT. Patients with mandibular retrognathia and abnormal sleep history showed significantly higher respiratory indices and smaller oropharyngeal volumes than neutrally configured controls. The dygnathia severity directly influenced the risk of obstructive sleep apnoea.

Short-term outcomes in the upper airway with tooth-bone-borne vs bone-borne rapid maxillary expanders

BackgroundThis study compared the area and minimal section of the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx in cases treated with different methods of microimplant-assisted expansion.MethodsBased on a pilot study to calculate the sample size, 30 patients with transverse maxillary deficiency over 14 years of age were retrospectively selected. These patients had received two different types of microimplant-assisted maxillary expansion treatment (MARPE and BAME). The patient underwent Cone-Beam computed tomography (CBCT) before and after treatment (mean time 1.5 months) with MARPE or BAME and upper airway measurements (volume and minimum cross-sectional area) were taken to assess upper airways changes and compare changes between the groups. A paired sample t-test was performed to evaluate the T0-T1 change of airway measurements obtained with MARPE and BAME, and a student t-test to compare changes in airway measurements between MARPE and BAME.ResultsThis investigation shows a statistically significant increase in total nasopharyngeal airway volume (0.59 ± 1.42 cm3; p < 0.01), total oropharyngeal airway volume (3.83 ± 7.53 cm3; p < 0.01) and minimum oropharyngeal cross-section (53.23 ± 126.46 mm2; p < 0.05) in all cases treated with micro-screw assisted expansion. The minimal cross-sectional area of the oropharynx ((79.12 ± 142.28 mm2; p < 0.05) and hypopharynx (59.87 ± 89.79 mm2; p < 0.05) showed significant changes for cases treated with BAME. As for the comparison between cases treated with MARPE and BAME, no differences in upper airway changes have been observed, except for the minimum cross-sectional area of the nasal cavity, which increases for MARPE (52.05 ± 132.91 mm2) and decreases for BAME (-34.10 ± 90.85 mm2).ConclusionsA significant increase in total area and minimal section at the level of nasopharynx and oropharynx was observed in cases treated with BAME. Regarding the comparison of MARPE and BAME treatments, no differences were found in the total airway volume and minimal section in upper airway except for the minimum cross section of the nasal cavity that increases for MARPE and decreases for BAME.

Comparison of Pre- and Posttreatment Airway Volume in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Treated with Ultra-Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

Introduction Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) present with a multitude of symptoms that can range from headaches to shoulder pain. Patients frequently present with pain in the ear, dizziness, and vertigo. It is noted that some patients who report TMDs also have a history of sleep disturbances, which is noted in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a reduction in the oropharyngeal airway volume. Objective To evaluate the airway volume in pre- and posttreatment of TMD with the use of neuromuscular orthotics made with ultra-low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ULF-TENS). Methods A total of 15 patients were evaluated for TMDs using the related criteria. Those included were treated with ULF-TENS with evaluation of the airway volume both pre- and posttreatment using CBCT and the Dolphin 3D volume analysis software. Results While the symptoms were shown to be significantly reduced in patients who were treated with this particular modality, the airway volume varied in those who reported a reduction after a period of 3 months and those that reported after a period of 6 months. Conclusion Posttreatment evaluation of the airway should be done after a period of 6 months for a more objective evaluation. A multidisciplinary evaluation of the patient is required in such cases.

Effects of distraction osteogenesis with Le Fort osteotomies on upper airway volumes: a systematic review and meta-analyses

ObjectiveDistraction osteogenesis is one of the treatment options in patients with severe maxillomandibular abnormalities to treat morphological and respiratory problems (obstructive sleep apnea syndrome). The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Le Fort I, II and III distraction osteogenesis (DO) on upper airway dimensions and respiratory function. MethodsElectronic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar and Cochrane databases. Studies that only involved two dimensional analyses were excluded. Besides, studies that performed DO in conjunction with orthognathic surgery were not considered. NIH quality assessment tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. Meta-analyses were performed to assess sleep apnea indices and the mean differences in the airway dimensions before and after DO. Gradings of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation were used to analyze the evidence level. ResultsAmong the 114 studies that went under full-text analyses, 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. Results of the quantitative analyses showed that maxillary Le Fort III DO significantly increased the amounts of oropharyngeal, pharyngeal and upper airway volumes. However, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) showed a non-significant improvement after this procedure. Besides, the dimensions of the airways increased with Le Fort I and II DO, according to a qualitative analysis. Considering the design of the included studies, our results had a low level of evidence. ConclusionMaxillary Le Fort DO does not significantly impact AHI, while it significantly increases the airway dimensions. Meanwhile, multicentric studies with standardized evaluation are still required to confirm the effects of maxillary Le Fort DO on airway obstruction.

Evaluation of presence of nasal deviation in patients presenting with obstructive sleep apnea using cone beam computed tomography

ABSTRACT Objective Evaluation of the presence of nasal septal deviation in patients presenting with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Method Patients diagnosed with OSA using polysomnography were further evaluated radiographically for the presence of nasal septal deviation, maxillary sinus septa, and oropharyngeal airway volume using CBCT. Results Nasal deviation was present in all the patients and was classified according to Negus et al classification, further categorized with Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) score, maxillary sinus septa in those patients were classified according to Al Faraj et al, and the oropharyngeal airway volume was found to be an average of 10,086.37 ± 3966.116 mm2 airway volume. Conclusion All the patients in the study had nasal septal deviation, hence it can be considered as a radiographic marker in suspecting OSA.

Three-dimensional assessment of short-term effects of Bone-anchored Maxillary Protraction on the oropharyngeal airway volume in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate

Three-dimensional assessment of short-term effects of Bone-anchored Maxillary Protraction on the oropharyngeal airway volume in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate

Analysis of maxillary arch morphology and its relationship with upper airway in mouth breathing subjects with different sagittal growth patterns

ObjectiveThis three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography(CBCT) study assessed pharyngeal airway and maxillary arch in mouth breathing subjects with different skeletal classifications and analyzed the factors associated with the upper airway morphological variations in mouth breathing (MB) and nasal breathing (NB) subjects. MethodsOne hundred and five subjects (52 MB and 53 NB children), divided into three skeletal groups: Class I (1° ≤ ANB° ≤ 5°), Class II (ANB° >5°), and Class III (ANB°<1°). An independent t-test and one-way ANOVA test were utilized in the group analysis of normal distributed data. The linear multiple regression test was applied to create a model for the airway volumes based on the maxillary arch parameters in different skeletal groups. ResultsIn three skeletal groups, NB individuals had greater oropharyngeal airway volume (OPV) and total pharyngeal airway volume (TPV) than MB. Maxillary arch parameters of intermolar width (IMW), intercanine width (ICW), and maxillary width of canines (MWC) were larger in NB participants than in MB subjects. In the MB group, we discovered that Class II individuals had lower NPV (nasopharyngeal airway volume) than Class I and Class III. MWC was lower in Class II subjects compared to Class I and Class III in both the NB and MB groups. ConclusionNB individuals had greater pharyngeal airway and maxillary arch parameters than MB subjects. Our model equation revealed that the inter-molar width (IMW) and palatal area (PA) parameters were the strongest predictors of total pharyngeal airway volume (TPV) in the skeletal Class II and Class I groups.

Pharyngeal airway dimensions in Iranian female young adults with different skeletal patterns using cone-beam computed tomography

To assess the oropharyngeal airway in Iranian female young adults with different skeletal patterns using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).This descriptive, cross-sectional study evaluated 105 CBCT scans of female patients between 18 and 35 years retrieved from the archives of a radiology clinic. The images were evaluated in axial, sagittal, and frontal sections. In the axial plane, the maximum and minimum cross-sectional area (CSA) of the airways at the oropharynx, minimum width (anteroposteriorly), and minimum depth (laterally) were measured using Mimics Medical software. The oropharyngeal volume was measured by NemoFAB software. The values were compared among the groups with different sagittal, vertical, and transverse patterns. The correlation of indices with airway measurements was analyzed using Monte Carlo Chi-square and Pearson's correlation coefficient.No significant difference was noted in oropharyngeal airway dimensions and volume among cases with different skeletal sagittal, vertical, and transverse patterns (P > 0.05) except for class III patients with normal transverse pattern in whom maximum CSA in low-angle group was larger than that in normal-angle group (P < 0.05) and class I normal-angle patients in whom maximum CSA in transverse normal group was smaller than that in constriction group (P < 0.05).Oropharyngeal dimensions were not significantly different in Iranian female young adults with different skeletal patterns.

Three-dimensional evaluation of the effects of Bionator and Forsus appliances on oropharyngeal airway volume in patients with mandibular retrognathia

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate whether there is a difference between the effects of Bionator and Forsus appliances on airway volume. Methods Forty patients with mandibular retrognathia were divided into two groups. The Bionator appliance was applied to Group 1, while the Forsus FRD EZ2 appliance was applied to Group 2. Three-dimensional images were captured before and after functional appliance use in both groups. Dolphin 3D software was used for airway measurements. Results No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of volumetric and area measurements. There was a statistically significant difference between the minimum axial T and O-N border T measurements of the groups. Conclusion The use of functional appliances may contribute to an increase in oropharyngeal airway dimensions, but there was no difference between the Bionator and Forsus groups in terms of volumetric measurements.

Three-Dimensional Evaluation of Upper Airway Changes After Bimaxillary Surgery of Skeletal Class 3 Patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the 3-dimensional changes in upper airway space of class 3 patients after surgery with sleep-related breathing disturbance. This is a retrospective cohort study included 25 patients who had undergone bimaxillary orthognathic surgery with maxillary advancement and mandibular setback for skeletal class 3 deformity. The changes in minimum axial area, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airway volume were determined by cone-beam computed tomography images, as well as the sleep parameters by polysomnography preoperatively and postoperatively. The impacts of mandibular setback and maxillary advancement amounts on the airway structures were evaluated and compared with other parameters. The results show that pharyngeal volume measurement means were found to be significantly increased postoperatively ( P <0.05). No significant difference was observed in the mean values of minimum axial area and sleep parameters after the operation ( P> 0.05). A positive relationship was determined between the oropharyngeal volume and minimum axial area changes at a rate of 60% ( r : 0.600). No relationship was revealed between airway volume changes and polysomnographic parameters. An increase in the total airway volume and no postoperative sleep-related disturbance symptoms were observed in the patients treated by maxillary advancement and mandibular setback surgery.

Three-dimensional evaluation of pharyngeal airway and maxillary arch in mouth and nasal breathing children with skeletal Class I and II

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether the subjects with mouth breathing (MB) or nasal breathing (NB) with different sagittal skeletal patterns showed different maxillary arch and pharyngeal airway characteristics.MethodsCone-beam computed tomography scans from 70 children aged 10 to 12 years with sagittal skeletal Classes I and II were used to measure the pharyngeal airway, maxillary width, palatal area, and height. The independent t-test and the Mann–Whitney U test were used for the intragroup analysis of pharyngeal airway and maxillary arch parameters.ResultsIn the Skeletal Class I group, nasopharyngeal airway volume (P < 0.01), oropharyngeal airway volume (OPV), and total pharyngeal airway volume (TPV) (all P < 0.001) were significantly greater in subjects with NB than in those with MB. Furthermore, intermolar width, maxillary width at the molars, intercanine width, maxillary width at the canines, and palatal area were significantly larger in subjects with NB than in those with MB (all P < 0.001). In the Skeletal Class II group, OPV, TPV (both P < 0.05) were significantly greater in subjects with NB than in those with MB. No significant differences in pharyngeal airway parameters in the MB group between subjects with Skeletal Class I and those with Skeletal Class II.ConclusionRegardless of sagittal Skeletal Class I or II, the pharyngeal airway and maxillary arch in children with MB differ from those with NB. However, the pharyngeal airway was not significantly different between Skeletal Class I and II in children with MB.

CBCT Based Comparison of Pharyngeal Airway Area and Volume in patients with Angle’s Class I and Class II Malocclusion: A Retrospective Study

Aim: To ascertain if there was any association between dental malocclusion and narrow/constricted pharyngeal airway. Methods: It was a retrospective study and cross-sectional in design. Oropharyngeal airway volume and regional area for 58 patients having either Class I or Class II Angles malocclusion were evaluated on the CBCT scans. Results: Oropharyngeal airway volume and area among Angles class I and Class II patients was found to have no statistical difference. There was however statistical difference in the oropharyngeal regional area of male and female patients (t=2.395, p=0.020) with male patients having greater oropharyngeal regional area than female patients. Conclusion: In summary, this research concludes that Angles Class I or Class II malocclusion does not influence oropharyngeal airway volume or area. Gender had no impact on the size of airway volume but had significant influence on the oropharyngeal regional area with male patients having greater oropharyngeal area than females. Keywords: Oropharyngeal airway, CBCT, Class I Malocclusion, Class II Malocclusion

Evaluating the changes in nasal airway volume and nasal airflow after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion

This study aims to compare the changes in the nasal airway volume and nasal airflow using acoustic rhinometry (AR), rhinomanometry (RMN), and dental volumetric tomography (DVT) after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME). Our study consists of 13 adults, 3 male and 10 female patients, aged between 15 and 26, with completed skeletal development. In our study, DVT imaging was obtained twice, preoperation and 3 months after expansion. AR and RMN measurements were recorded, and Visual Analog Score (VAS) and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE)Scale surveys were scored at preoperation and 3 months after expansion. Nasopharyngeal-oropharyngeal airway volume and areas were calculated using the Romexis 3.8.3.R (Planmeca,Helsinki, Finland) and Nemotec V2019 (Madrid, Spain) software programs. IBM SPSS Statistics 22 (SPSS IBM, Armonk, New York) was used for statistical analysis. Comparing the preoperation and postexpansion measurements by both software programs revealed a statistically significant increase in the nasopharyngeal airway volume. No statistically significant change was observed in the oropharyngeal airway volume. Furthermore, we found a statistically significant increase in VAS but a significant decrease in NOSE. According to our findings, nasal airway volume increased after SARME, and although there was no significant change in nasal resistance, patients' quality of life increased significantly.

Changes in the nasal and pharyngeal airway volume with miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion appliances

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the volumetric changes in the nasal and pharyngeal airway volume in patients with maxillary transverse deficiency treated with miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) appliances. Material and Methods: The pre- and post-treatment cone-beam computed tomography scans of 20 subjects who underwent treatment with the MARPE appliance as part of their orthodontic treatment were included in the study. Pre- and post-expansion airway volume measurements of the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and oropharynx were measured. Linear measurements of the skeletal structures surrounding the nasal cavity were taken to assess the pattern of airway expansion. Paired t-tests were used to evaluate nasal and pharyngeal airway volume changes with expansion. Pearson correlation test was utilized to assess the relationship between nasal and pharyngeal volume changes. Results: A total of 17 out of 20 samples had a successful split of the mid-palatal sutures. A significant increase in nasal airway volume (12.0%) was found post-expansion. In addition, a significant increase in linear measurements of the nasal cavity base width in the frontal plane (7.1%) and both the anterior and posterior widths in the transverse dimension (9.4% and 3.4%, respectively) were found. Significant positive correlations were found between airway volumes and increase in width of the maxillary expansion appliance. Conclusion: The effects of maxillary expansion with a MARPE appliance include an increase in nasal cavity volume, but not the nasopharyngeal and the oropharyngeal airway volume. The nasal cavity expands in a triangular pattern in both the frontal and transverse dimensions following orthopedic expansion with the MARPE appliance. Increase in airway volume is a result of the increase in width of the maxillary expansion appliance.

Correlation of transverse mandibular dimension with naso-pharyngeal and oro-pharyngeal airway using computed tomographic analysis – A retrospective observational study

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate changes in the naso-pharyngeal and oro-pharyngeal airway with varying degrees of mandibular flare. Methods: The investigators implemented a retrospective, observational study including CT data from patients fitting the inclusion criteria. Linear and angular measurements were used to assess the flare and transverse dimension of the mandible, while standard reference planes were used for assessment of airway dimensions. The primary outcome measures were to correlate and quantify the naso-pharyngeal and oro-pharyngeal volumes with mandibular flare. Secondary outcome measures were to study the intra-variable correlation. Significance level was fixed at 5% (α = 0.05). Results: The sample included CT data from 30 individuals with apparently normal craniofacial skeleton (53% males and 46.7% female with a mean age of 29.53 years). Both nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal volumes demonstrated moderate positive correlations with inter-condylar width (p = 0.020 and p = 0.038) and inter-condylar angles (p = 0.041 and p = 0.005) respectively. Linear regression modelling demonstrated that for every millimetre increase of the Inter-condylar width, the naso-pharyngeal and oro-pharyngeal airway volume increased by 0.423 cm3 (p = 0.020) and 0.381 cm3 (p = 0.038) respectively, and every degree increase of inter-condylar angle produced an increase the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal volumes by 0.376cm3 (p = 0.041) and 0.496cm3 (p = 0.005) respectively. Conclusion: Parameters of mandibular flare demonstrate statistically significant correlation to pharyngeal airway volume, which may be a relevant predictor to evaluate airway in patients undergoing corrective skeletal surgery.

Three-dimensional oropharyngeal airway changes after facemask therapy using low-dose computed tomography: a clinical trial with a retrospectively collected control group

AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the short-term oropharyngeal airway volumetric changes in growing Class III maxillary-deficient patients treated by facemask without expansion compared with untreated Class III controls, using low-dose computed tomography.MethodsEighteen maxillary-deficient children (9 boys, nine girls) with a mean age of 7.81 ± 0.84 years were treated with maxillary bonded bite block and facemask (FM). Pre- (T1) and post-treatment (T2) low-dose CT images were acquired. Sixteen untreated Class III patients with a mean age of 7.03 ± 0.56 years had previously two low-dose CT scans within a one year of follow-up. Volumetric and minimal cross-sectional area measurements were obtained to assess the oropharyngeal airway changes. Quantitative mean, minimum, and maximum displacement of superimposed 3D models were estimated from a point-based analysis. Paired-samples t-tests were used for the intragroup comparisons, and an independent samples t-test and the Mann–Whitney U tests were carried out for the intergroup comparisons.ResultsA statistically significant increase in the total and retropalatal volumes oropharyngeal airway volume were observed in the control group (302.23 ± 345.58 and 145.73 ± 189.22 mm3, respectively). In the FM group, statistically significant increases in the total and retropalatal volumes were observed (738.86 ± 1109.37 mm3 and 388.63 ± 491.44 mm3, respectively). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups, except for the maximum part analysis which was significantly greater in the FM group (p = 0.007).ConclusionsFM therapy appeared to have no additional effects on the oropharyngeal airway other than those induced by growth.

Three-dimensional assessment of airway volumes in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate

BackgroundConsidering the adverse consequences of respiratory insufficiency in cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients, this study aimed to assess the pharyngeal airway dimensions in 9–12-year-old patients with unilateral CLP. This historical cohort evaluated the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 30 patients with non-syndromic unilateral CLP between 9 and 12 years and 30 age- and sex-matched non-cleft controls. Three-dimensional (3D) images were reconstructed by the Mimics software, and the nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and total airway volumes, as well as the minimal cross-sectional area of the airway (minAx), and posterior airway length (PAL) were all measured in the sagittal plane. Data were analyzed by the Student’s t test.ResultsThe oropharyngeal and the total airway volumes, as well as the minAx and PAL in CLP patients, were significantly smaller than the corresponding values in the control group (P < 0.05). Despite smaller nasopharyngeal airway volume in CLP patients than controls, this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionsNine- to twelve-year-old non-syndromic unilateral CLP patients have smaller pharyngeal airway dimensions than non-cleft controls, and are therefore at higher risk of respiratory insufficiency.

RELATION BETWEEN SAGITTAL POSITION OF THE MANDIBLE AND PHARYNGEAL AIRWAY VOLUME IN ADULTS USING CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Introduction: Many authors have discussed the relationship between craniofacial morphology and pharyngeal airway spaces in different malocclusions and skeletal patterns. So the aim of this work was to study the relation between sagittal position of the mandible and pharyngeal airway volume in adults using CBCT. Materials And Methods:Twentyone CBCT radiographs were collected from the archive of Radiology Department at Suez Canal University and were divided into 3 groups according to the measured SNB angle. Group 1 normal mandibular position, group 2 retrognathic mandible and group 3 prognathic mandible. Dolphin 3D imaging software was used to measure the airway volume for all the radiographs. Nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal and total pharyngeal airway volumes were measured for all the radiographs. F-test (ANOVA) was used for comparison between groups and Tukey test for pairwise comparisons. Correlations between variables were tested using PearsonÂ’s correlation coefficient. Results: there was statistically significant difference in the mean total pharyngeal airway volume and oropharyngeal airway volumes between the three groups. Nasopharyngeal airway volume and hypopharyngeal airway volume had non-significant difference between groups. There was a significant positive correlation between total pharyngeal airway volume (mm3) and SNB angle. Conclusion: Pharyngeal airway volume differs with different sagittal positions of the mandible. Pharyngeal airway volume decreases with mandibular retrognathism and increases with mandibular prognathism.