Decoding the role of the soft palate in obstructive sleep apnea: A static magnetic resonance imaging study integrating novel and conventional measurements.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to systematically evaluate soft palate metrics using conventional and novel standardized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements, to explore the correlation between the novel indicators and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity, and to preliminarily assess their predictive value for OSA.

METHODS

Participants were categorized into control, mild, moderate, and severe OSA groups according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). The soft palate was measured via conventional MRI methods and a novel system standardized to the hard palate plane.

RESULTS

Select conventional and novel measurements showed significant intergroup differences and correlated with AHI and lowest oxygen saturation. Hierarchical regression indicated that the novel metrics provided significant incremental value in explaining AHI variance beyond conventional measures and baseline data. A logistic regression model combining both measurement types excellently predicted severe OSA.

CONCLUSIONS

This quantitative MRI study demonstrates that soft palate morphology aids in OSA evaluation. The proposed standardized metrics offer complementary diagnostic information to conventional parameters. The resulting fusion model serves as an objective, imaging-based decision-support tool to help clinicians screen high-risk OSA individuals.