Comparison of cone-beam computed tomography incidental findings between patients with moderate/severe obstructive sleep apnea and mild obstructive sleep apnea/healthy patients.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the incidental radiographic findings in the maxillofacial structures and the pharyngeal airway between subjects with moderate/severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and mild OSA/healthy subjects using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.

Study Design: A total of 53 subjects with moderate/severe OSA (with a Respiratory Disturbance Index [RDI] ≥ 15 events/h) and 33 mild OSA/healthy subjects (RDI < 15), based on ambulatory somnographic assessment, were recruited. Supine CBCTs were taken and sent for radiological report. The incidental findings were compared between the 2 groups.

Results: Moderate/severe subjects had larger prevalence of conchae bullosa, hypertrophic turbinates, hypertrophic tonsils, elongated or posteriorly placed soft palate, narrower airway, enlarged tongue, and focal calcifications, although no significant differences were found.

Conclusions: CBCT is useful in identifying maxillofacial and airway anomalies that could interfere with normal breathing; however, no significant difference was found in prevalence of incidental findings between subjects with moderate/severe OSA and mild OSA/healthy subjects. Further studies are necessary to generalize our results.