MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF UPPER AIRWAY IN NORMAL MALE ADULTS

Objective To obtain the data about morphology of upper airway and its surrounding tissues of normal adults and to supply information for the research of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods Sixty normal male adults were examined with MRI. The section areas of the palatopharynx, glossopharynx and hypopharynx were calculated. Their sagittal and horizontal sizes, the thickness of bilateral and posterior pharyngeal walls and the length, thickness, longitudinal sectional area of the palate were measured. The normal extent of every variable was determined by unilateral 95% confidence interval. The changes of palatopharynx, glossopharynx and hypopharynx during fast SPGR T1-weighted imaging after sleep were observed. Results The variables of upper airway and surrounding soft tissues of normal male adults were acquired and the normal extents of upper airway established. The upper airway was showed dynamically. Conclusion The MRI assessment of the upper airway and definition of its normal range of normal male adults may provide an objective information for clinical diagnosis of the obstructive sites in OSAHS patients.