Ultrasound parameters linked with severe sleep apnea
Anatomical markers visualized on ultrasound could have clinical utility in classifying severity of sleep apnea, a new study shows.
While other imaging modalities are capable of imaging the area of interest in sleep apnea patients, ultrasound has taken on an increasingly prevalent role in visualizing oropharynx soft structures due to its accessibility and non-invasive nature. A new study published in Clinical Radiology recently touted the efficacy of ultrasound in diagnostic processes for sleep apnea, highlighting several parameters that correlate with the severity of obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) [1].
“Ultrasonography may potentially provide additional information about the higher risk for OSAHS, helping to define the pathophysiology of OSAHS patients,” corresponding author S.Y. Zhu of Guangxi Medical University in China and colleagues suggested.
Experts included 171 patients with suspected OSAHS in the study. Each patient underwent oropharyngeal ultrasound and overnight polysomnography exams, which were then compared to the patients’ apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), a commonly used method of classifying the severity of sleep apnea. For the ultrasound exams, measurements were taken at the end of expiration during normal breathing.
Independent of age, sex and BMI, lingual height was found to have the most significant association with the patients’ AHI and was independently associated with higher risk of OSAHS. Other measures found to be relevant were maximal width of the tongue and distance from the symphysis of the mandible to the hyoid bone. Patients with the most severe OSAHS were observed to have larger oropharyngeal structures compared to those with milder degrees of severity and, in line with prior data, higher BMI was also linked with OSAHS severity.
Of note, the authors highlighted the feasibility and reproducibility of the exam, noting that the sonographer could easily and consistently monitor the oropharynx, making it very convenient for otolaryngologists to visualize the exact anatomy.
Zhu and colleagues indicated that ultrasound, due to its accessibility, could facilitate earlier treatment for patients with the most severe obstructions who would benefit the most from intervention.
To learn more, click here.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She joined Innovate Healthcare in 2021 and has since put her unique expertise to use in her editorial role with Health Imaging.