Mesopharyngometric Characteristics of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

概要

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Polysomnography (PSG) is essential in diagnosing patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). This test is, however, too complicated to use with all patients. Therefore, we must select patients as examinees.We performed mesopharyngometry as a method of screening patients suspected of OSAS.There were 53 subjects in the normal group, 112 in the snoring group and 18 in the OSAS group.The mesopharyngometry involved measurements of the uvula, posterior palatine arch and fauces. The palatine tonsil, lateral pharyngeal folds and tongue, which are impossible to measure directly, were evaluated by scoring according to Mackenzie's classification and our own classification.All examined parameters differed significantly between the groups. The OSAS group had a longer and wider uvula than the normal group or the snoring group. The width of the posterior palatine arch, the size of the palatine tonsil and the lateral pharyngeal folds were also larger in the OSAS group. A swollen tongue narrowed the oral cavity in the OSAS group.With mesopharyngometry, the site of the obstruction at the tongue base and larynx cannot be detected. However, in combination with CT scan and cephalometry, identification of the site of stenosis in the upper airway will be possible with much greater accuracy, and our ability to select patients suspected of OSAS will improve.
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