Paranasal Sinus Computed Tomography VolumetricFindings of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Abstract

Background:Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a disorder characterized by repetitive episodes of complete or partial airway obstruction due to pharyngeal collapse during sleep. The pathogenesis of OSAS is still not clear, although studies showing that OSAS is caused mainly by upper respiratory tract stenosis mainly at nasopharynx. The purpose of this study is to show the paranasal sinus (PNS) pathologies and nasal cavity volume, nasopharynx volume and adenoid diameters of OSAS patients, and correlate the multi detector computed tomography (MDCT) findings with severity of the disease.Methods:A total of 48 (34 male and 14 female) OSAS patients were evaluated retrospectively between November 2011 and July 2012. Polysomnography and MDCT was performed to all patients.Results:Mean age of the patients were 45.46±8.82 years. The body mass index grades were normal weight in 5 (10.4%), overweight in 13 (27.1%), obese in 30 (62.5%) patients. The OSAS were graded as mild (5 patients, 10.4%), moderate (16 patients, 33.3%) and severe (27 patients, 56.3%) according to their polysomnography findings. The correlation between OSAS grades and radiological measurements were low. There was no difference between gender regardless from the OSAS grades (p≥0.05).Conclusion:OSAS patients have nasal septal spur formation and septal deviation which may aggravate their syndrome. PNS MDCT is important to demonstrate these disorders. Further studies comparing patients and controls may show 3D volumetric changes of the PNS region.