Evaluation of Nasal Function and Upper Airway Morphology After Bi-Maxillary Surgery Using Rhinomanometry and Computed Tomography

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the quality of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) studies evaluating the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on upper airway morphology. Materials and Methods. A database search was conducted using PubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane Library up to December 2016. Studies in which CBCT was adopted to visualize the upper airway before and after rapid maxillary expansion were included. The population target was growing patients. Methodological quality assessment was performed. Results. The screening process resulted in the exclusion of 1079 references, resulting in only 9 remaining papers that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. No randomized clinical trials were found. The quality scores ranged from 36% to 68% of the maximum achievable, and the mean quality score of the studies was 50%. No good quality studies were detected in our sample. Conclusions. Inconsistencies in the CBCT protocols utilized were detected between studies. Head posture, tongue position, and segmentation protocols were not consistent. These discrepancies were reflected in the different results obtained in the studies. A valid and consistent protocol with regard to head and tongue positioning, as well as nasal cavity volume segmentation, is required.

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Characterization of the Upper Airway Morphology and Its Changes in the Apneic Patient Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Orthodontics: Indications, Insights, and Innovations ◽

10.1002/9781118674888.ch13 ◽

2014 ◽

pp. 273-291 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

R. Scott Conley ◽

Paolo M. Cattaneo ◽

Bruce S. Haskell

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Cone Beam Computed Tomography ◽

Upper Airway ◽

Cone Beam ◽

Airway Morphology

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Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Evaluation of Age-related Upper Airway Changes

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science ◽

10.3329/bjms.v15i1.19296 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 78-83

Author(s):

Elham Moradi ◽

Mahnaz Sheikh ◽

Touraj Vaezi

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Cone Beam Computed Tomography ◽

Upper Airway ◽

Cone Beam ◽

Normal Body Mass Index ◽

Pharyngeal Wall ◽

Age Related ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Difference ◽

Airway Morphology

Background: Upper airway morphology is associated with facial development and occlusion. Treatment of maxillofacial and occlusal disorders requires sufficient knowledge of related functional variables, including upper airway morphology. In order to determine upper airway obstruction and its exact site, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the airway can be beneficial. The aim of the current study was to determine the age-related changes of upper airway morphology.Materials: The pharyngeal area of 87 patients was assessed using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), and no artifacts were detected. The subjects were within the age range of 6-60 years, with normal body mass index (BMI) of 18-25 kg/m2. In the CBCTs, in addition to volumetric measurements of nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx, distances between pharyngeal wall and posterior nasal spine, uvula, or valcula in anteroposterior and horizontal planes were measured (2D measurement). In addition, the shortest distance between tongue base and posterior pharyngeal wall was calculated in the anteroposterior plane. Data were analyzed in three age groups of 6-20, 21-40, and 41-60 years old via SPSS analysis.Results: Various values of upper airway and variables which measure anteroposterior dimensions of pharynx were significantly higher in the 21-40 years old group, compared to 6-20 years old group. Although these variables were higher in the 21-40 years old group, compared to the 41-60 years old group, the difference was statistically insignificant. The transverse variables had the highest value in the 21-40 years old group, but the difference with the other two groups was insignificant. No significant difference was observed between males and females.Conclusion: According to the results of the current study, upper airway changes in 2D and 3D models may be age-dependent and become more significant by the age of 20 years. In addition, gender has no effect on the development of upper airways.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(1) 2016 p.78-83

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4D Computed Tomography for Dynamic Upper Airway Evaluation in Robin Sequence

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1177/01945998211002156 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 019459982110021

Author(s):

Austin S. Lam ◽

Michael D. Bindschadler ◽

Kelly N. Evans ◽

Seth D. Friedman ◽

Jeffrey P. Otjen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Upper Airway ◽

Quantitative Information ◽

4D Ct ◽

Robin Sequence ◽

Analysis Tools ◽

Airway Caliber ◽

4D Computed Tomography ◽

Ct Data ◽

Sample Case

Thorough assessment of dynamic upper airway obstruction (UAO) in Robin sequence (RS) is critical, but traditional evaluation modalities have significant limitations. Four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) is promising in that it enables objective and quantitative evaluation throughout all phases of respiration. However, there exist few protocols or analysis tools to assist in obtaining and interpreting the vast amounts of obtained data. A protocol and set of data analysis tools were developed to enable quantification and visualization of dynamic 4D-CT data. This methodology was applied to a sample case at 2 time points. In the patient with RS, overall increases in normalized airway caliber were observed from 5 weeks to 1 year. There was, however, continued dynamic obstruction at all airway levels, though objective measures of UAO did improve at the nasopharynx and oropharynx. Use of 4D-CT and novel analyses provide additional quantitative information to evaluate UAO in patients with RS.

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