MR features of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Objective To evaluate the MRI value in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Methods The upper airways of 58 OSAS patients and 40 controls were measured. The cross sectional areas of the nasopharynx, palatopharynx, glossopharynx and hypopharynx were calculated, their sagittal and horizontal sizes were measured and the length, thickness, cross sectional area of the palate were also measured. Results ①The cross sectional areas of OSAS patients were smaller than that of the control group except for hypopharynx ( P 0 01). ②The sagittal sizes of all areas of the upper airway were not significantly different between the OSAS patients and the control group; the transverse sizes of OSAS patients were smaller than that of the control group except for palatopharynx and hypopharynx ( P 0 01). ③The length, thickness and area of the palate in patient group were larger than that of the control group ( P 0 01). Conclusion MRI has significant value in the localized and qualified diagnosis in OSAS.