Evaluation of Retroglossal Space of Upper Airway in OSAHS by MSCT and Upper Airway Pressure Monitoring

Purpose: To evaluate the retroglossal space of upper airway of patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS). Materials and Methods:The smallest cross-sectional areas of both retropalatal and retroglossal space of the upper airway were measured,and the lateral and the anteroposterior diameters of the smallest cross-sectional area of retroglossal space were determine in twenty-nine patients with OSAHS by using 16-slice spiral CT. The upper airway pressure was monitored for these patients. Results: The lateral diameters of the smallest cross-sectional area of retroglossal space of upper airway were correlated with the frequency of occurring of apnea-hypopnea events by finding in upper airway pressure monitoring.Conclusion:The size of lateral diameter of the smallest cross-sectional area of retroglossal space of patients with OSAHS can influence the occurring of apnea-hypopnea events.