An evaluation of cone beam computed tomography in verifying the level of collapse in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in verifying the level of collapse in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients.

METHODS: A prospective analysis of 30 patients with confirmed OSA was selected. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) was performed for all cases to determine the level of collapse clinically. Two groups of patients were imaged with CBCT, one at end of expiration and the other at end of inspiration. Virtual endoscopy was performed on CBCT software. The level of collapse was recorded from both groups and compared to DISE findings.

RESULTS: No statistical difference was discovered in the level of collapse observed from DISE or CBCT in most cases. Virtual endoscopy was found to have no role in determining collapse at tongue and lateral wall levels.

CONCLUSION: Using CBCT helped predict the air blockage level in patients with sleep apnea, which helps in surgical treatment planning measures.