UPPER AIRWAY DIMENSIONS ON CBCT IN VIETNAMESE SUBJECTS WITH AND WITHOUT OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA: A CASE SERIES

Bảo Trung Nguyễn, Trần Thiên Quân Vũ, Diễm Khuê Bùi, Đại Phong Lâm

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Abstract

Objectives: To preliminarily assess and compare upper airway dimensions measured on Cone beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images between Vietnamese individuals with and without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Subjects and methods: A case series research was conducted between July 2024 and July 2025 at the Odonto-Stomatology Clinic, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City. Data were retrospectively retrieved from confirmed 7 OSA cases and 4 non-OSA cases, as diagnosed by either respiratory polygraphy or polysomnography. Four upper airway parameters were assessed at the region of interest: minimum cross-sectional area (minCSA), anteroposterior (minAP) and lateral length (minLR) at the minCSA level and total airway volume of the segmented region (Vol). Results: All airway dimensions in the OSA group were lower than those in the non-OSA group, although the differences did not reach statistical significance. Effect sizes (Cliff’s delta) were large across all variables, yet 95% confidence intervals were wide and included 0, indicating a high level of uncertainty. Conclusions: The observed trends suggest that upper airway dimensions tend to be smaller in patients with OSA compared to those without. These preliminary findings highlight the potential utility of CBCT in upper airway assessment and provide foundation data for further research in the Vietnamese population.

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References

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