Pharyngeal size and shape during wakefulness and sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.

摘要: Computed tomography has been used to study the pharyngeal airway during tidal breathing in wakefulness and obstructive apnoeas Non-REM sleep patients with apnoea. In supine subjects, contiguous transverse 10 mm sections were taken perpendicular posterior wall a 2.1 s scan time. Studies showed that narrowest section of airspace was region soft palate minimal cross-sectional areas significantly reduced group apnoea compared control subjects without The studies all patients, site apnoeas. length obstructed segment varied between extending below level half patient group. Airway narrowing obstruction due displacement tongue majority although lateral walls also observed. No occlusion observed laryngopharynx there oro- laryngopharyngeal apertures size oropharyngeal did not predict presence when asleep. variability site(s) upper have important implications for choice appropriate treatment