Association between nasal cross-sectional areas and obstructive sleep apnea identified using acoustic rhinometry and computed tomography.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent disorder associated with severe comorbidities. Anatomical variations, including nasal diseases, have been identified as potential contributing factors. This study aimed to explore the relationship between nasal cross-sectional areas (CSAs) and OSA, using both acoustic rhinometry (AR) and computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 355 individuals who underwent polysomnography (PSG), paranasal sinus CT, and AR. Clinical characteristics were compared among the non-OSA, mild OSA, moderate OSA, and severe OSA patients. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the influence of nasal cross-sectional areas (CSAs) on the risk of developing moderate or severe OSA, with adjustments for sex, age, and body mass index.

RESULTS

Significant associations between specific AR-measured CSA values of anterior nasal region and moderate-severe OSA were identified upon adjusting for confounders (p = 0.034, 0.010, and 0.025, respectively). The lower CSA measurements between the right and the left sides showed a stronger correlation with moderate-severe OSA than the summed values, suggesting the importance of the narrower nasal passage in OSA severity. No significant impact of CSA values on the development of severe OSA was observed.

CONCLUSION

Nasal CSA measured using AR appears to be a better method for verifying its association with OSA than CT. Nasal CSAs at the anterior region of the inferior turbinates play a crucial role in developing OSA, independent of other known risk factors.