MRI study of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Objective: To study the effects of magnetic resonance image (MRI) on locating the blocking site(s) of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods: A total of 35 male patients suffering from OSAHS underwent the examinations of polysomnography (PSG), MRI and fibrolaryngoscopy combined with Muller's maneuver (FEMM). A total of 30 normal subjects underwent MRI examination for the upper airway. The upper airway of normal subjects and patients with OSAHS were measured and compared to determine the site(s) of the upper airway obstruction and degree and estimate MRI's value in OSAHS. Results: The upper airway cross-sectional area of OSAHS patients was smaller than that of normal subjects, mainly at the velopharynx and tongue-pharynx. The stenosis was mainly caused by proliferation of the soft tissues around oropharynx, hypertrophy of the soft palate and hypopharyngeal region. Conclusions: We consider that MRI is good at determining the sites of upper airway obstruction and degree of the patients with OSAHS. It can be used for selection of appropriate therapy and it is important for prediction of surgical outcome.