Our study showed area of maximum airway constriction (SmaxCA) at the level of retropalatal region of 0.5±0.2 cm2 and 0.7±0.2 cm2 for the first and the second groups,
respectively,
p<0.05.
Volume of the lateral walls was larger in patients with SpO2<75% (12.1±1.8 cm3 vs.
11.2±3.2 cm3) comparing with the second group,
p<0.05.
volume of the soft palate was comparable in two groups (9.1±1.5 cm3 vs.
7.9±2.5 cm3),
p=0.1.
Fig. 1: Midsagittal magnetic resonance image (MRI), T1-weighted imaging, obese patient with severe degree of OSA: a - patient with SpO2>75%. 1 - soft palate, 2 - tongue.
Fig. 2: Midsagittal magnetic resonance image (MRI), T1-weighted imaging, obese patient with severe degree of OSA: b - patient with SpO2<75%. 1 - soft palate, 2 - tongue.
Fig. 3: Axial magnetic resonance image (MRI), T1-weighted imaging, obese patient with severe degree of OSA: a - patient with SpO2>75%. 1- soft palate, 2 – tongue, 3 - lateral walls, 4 - area of maximum airway constriction at the level of retropalatal region.
Fig. 4: Axial magnetic resonance image (MRI), T1-weighted imaging, obese patient with severe degree of OSA: b - patient with SpO2<75%. 1- soft palate, 2 – tongue, 3 - lateral walls, 4 - area of maximum airway constriction at the level of retropalatal region.
In our study MR images of patients with different levels of oxygen saturation during sleep were examined.
The results of the study showed that patients with obesity and severe OSAS with a level of minSpO2 <75% had less area of maximum airway constriction due to the increase in the volume of the lateral walls.
These changes determines the clinical course of OSAS.
Patients pay attention to the progression of daytime sleepiness,
fatigue,
poor concentration,
headaches,
irritability,
and others.
MRI is good technique to assess the anatomy of the upper respiratory tract.
MRI can determine the level of obstruction and also can assess anatomical structures around the upper airways that caused the obstruction.