Imaging Science in Dentistry

Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (대한영상치의학회)
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The role of cone-beam computed tomography in the radiographic evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea: A review article

  • Marco Isaac (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Delta University for Science and Technology) ;
  • Dina Mohamed ElBeshlawy (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University) ;
  • Ahmed ElSobki (Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University) ;
  • Dina Fahim Ahmed (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University) ;
  • Sarah Mohammed Kenawy (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University)
  • Received : 2023.06.03
  • Accepted : 2023.09.09
  • Published : 2023.12.31
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Abstract

The apnea-hypopnea index is widely regarded as a measure of the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of apnea or hypopnea during sleep that induce airway collapse. OSA is a catastrophic problem due to the wide range of health issues it can cause, including cardiovascular disease and memory loss. This review was conducted to clarify the roles of various imaging modalities, particularly cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), in the diagnosis of and preoperative planning for OSA. Unfortunately, 2-dimensional imaging techniques yield insufficient data for a comprehensive diagnosis, given the complex anatomy of the airway. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging is favored as it more accurately represents the patient's airway structure. Although computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can depict the actual 3D airway architecture, their use is limited by factors such as high radiation dose and noise associated with the scans. This review indicates that CBCT is a low-radiation imaging technique that can be used to incidentally identify patients with OSA, thereby facilitating early referral and ultimately enhancing the accuracy of surgical outcome predictions.

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References

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