KBB-Forum 2006 , Cilt 5, Sayı 3

THE TECHNIQUES FOR UPPER AIRWAY EVALUATION IN OSA PATIENTS

Dr. Murat Enöz1, Dr. Halil Yanardağ2, Dr. Mehmet Güven3
1İstanbul Üniversitesi İstanbul Tıp Fakültesi, Kulak Burun Boğaz Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı, İstanbul, Türkiye
2İstanbul Üniversitesi Cerrahpaşa Tıp Fakültesi, İç Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı, Akciğer Hastalıkları Birimi, İstanbul, Türkiye
3Gaziosmanpaşa Tıp Fakültesi, Kulak Burun Boğaz Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı, Tokat, Türkiye
Upper airway imaging has become a powerful research tool that has significantly advanced our understanding of the biomechanics, physiopathology and treatment of OSAS. High resolution anatomical information on the structure and function of the upper airway and surrounding soft tissue structures can be obtained with modern imaging techniques. In particular, MR imaging and CT scanning allow precise anatomic examination of the airway and surrounding soft tissue structures. Additionally, dynamic imaging techniques can allow us to study dimensional changes in the upper airway soft tissue and bony structures during respiration, sleep and airway closure.

The clinical indications, advantages and disadvantages of various upper airway imaging and assessment techniques in the OSAS patients are discussed and literatures are reviewed in this article. Keywords : OSAS, imaging, flexible nasopharyngoscopy, advantage, disadvantage