Characteristic imaging findings in the patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Generally, obesity and aging have been listed as causes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Actually, the incidence of OSA increases with increasing levels of obesity and ageing. Additionally, gender differences in OSA incidence have been reported, with a higher incidence in males compared to females.

Therefore, from an epidemiological perspective, these three factors are considered to contribute to the cause of OSA. However, the detailed mechanism of OSA onset by these factors has not been revealed.

In this present report, the relationship between OSA onset and the aforementioned three factors was investigated through image-based observations, including the findings from previous imaging studies. Furthermore, compensatory response on awakening and other incidental findings related to OSA were investigated using cephalometric imaging and computed tomography.