[Update on upper airway evaluation in obstructive sleep apnea].
During the past two decades, different methods of upper airway evaluation for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have been investigated. Although clinical assessment is the basis of any diagnostic workflow in OSA, the Mueller maneuver is apparently of no importance. Imaging techniques have increased our knowledge of the pathophysiology of OSA. Cephalometry is done only if maxillomandibular advancement is planned; dynamic investigations such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are able to picture the pharyngeal collapse and have the capacity to simulate the effect of interventions on OSA severity. So far, video endoscopy under sedation can only predict the success of oral appliances. Multichannel pressure recordings depict the distribution of obstructive events in the upper or lower pharyngeal segment during the entire night. The impact of sophisticated upper airway evaluation remains limited compared with standard clinical assessment. Further research is needed to develop valuable tools for the diagnostic workup of patients with OSA.
Schlafmedizinisches Zentrum, Universitäts-Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Klinik Mannheim, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim der Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, 68135 Mannheim, Deutschland. Joachim.Maurer@hno.ma.uni-heidelberg.de
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D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D017286:Polysomnography / Q000639:trends*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests / Q000639:trends*; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis*
Update: Diagnostik der oberen Atemwege bei Schlafapnoe-Syndrom.