[The significance of CT measurement of craniopharyngeal cavity in healthy person].

OBJECTIVE

In order to investigate where is the most part in upper airway of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The craniopharyngeal cavity in 50 healthy persons was measured by CT.

METHOD: The 50 volunteers were instructed on supine position. The Scanning was made taken with SCT-7000 spiral computer (Philips company Holland). Scanning was from cupular part of nasopharyngeal cavity to an apex of epiglottis cartilage on the datum line of lower eye socket, every stratum was 5 mm, every lamella distance was 8 mm. Scanned and took photographs up and down using RIO-MAN key (Region of interesting Management). Some irregular area were selected to measure such as 1. the lamella of nasopharyngeal cavity(the pharynges and opening of auditory tube were showed clearly); 2. the lamella of oropharyngeal cavity(the narrowest place of oropharyngeal cavity); 3. the lamella of laryngolpharyngeal cavity(epiglottis cartilage was just appeared). T test was used to analyze.

RESULT: The areas of oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal and pharyngolaryngeal cavity were (2.28 +/- 1.17) cm2. (4.39 +/- 1.52) cm2 and (3.83 +/- 1.57) cm2 respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The oropharyngeal cavity is the physiologic narrow place of pharyngeal cavity in normal adults and it is easily obstructed and lead to a chain of pathologic and physiologic manifestations.