Three-dimensional analysis of craniofacial bones and soft tissues in obstructive sleep apnea using cone beam computed tomography

A total of 154 adult patients with sleep complaints underwent a polysomnography and a craniofacial cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). OSA was defined as an apnea and hypopnea index (AHI) or an oxygen desaturation index (ODI) + or = 10. Soft tissues and craniofacial bones volumes were prospectively measured by CBCT and collected blindly from sleep polysomnography. Among the study patients, 127 (83%) suffered from OSA and 27 (17%) did not. OSA patients demonstrated a narrower maxillo-palatine core volume (11.7 + or - 3.2 vs 14.6 + or - 4.9 cm3) even when adjusting for age, gender, height, neck circumference and body mass index. These upper airway measures provide a comprehensive analysis of bony structures and soft tissues, which can be involved in OSA.