Effects of 3D Airway Geometry on the Airflow of Adults with Cleft Lip and Palate and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Functional Imaging Study

Abstract

Objective Individuals with cleft lip and palate (CLP) are at a high risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Hypothetically, the severity of OSA might be associated with the morphology of the upper airway (UAW) and the characteristics of the airflow. Thus, the present study aimed to assess and compare, in adults with CLP and skeletal class-III discrepancy, with or without OSA, simulations of airflow resistance and pressure according to the geometrical characteristics of the UAW and cephalometric parameters.

Keywords

• congenital, hereditary, and neonatal diseases and abnormalities
• diagnostic imaging
• sleep apnea, obstructive