MRI MEASUREMENT OF AIRWAY SOFT TISSUES PARAMETERS IN PATIENTS WITH OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

The aim of this study was to compare the size of airway soft tissues parameters measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in obese patients with or without obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Excessive deposition of fat in the soft structures of the upper respiratory tract (in the soft palate, tongue, lateral pharyngeal walls) changes the geometry and function of the upper respiratory tract. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the only method that can evaluate these changes.