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Odontoestomatología

versión impresa ISSN 0797-0374versión On-line ISSN 1688-9339

Odontoestomatología vol.19 no.30 Montevideo dic. 2017

https://doi.org/10.22592/ode2017n30a5 

Updates

Upper airway assessment in Orthodontics: a review

Erwin Rojas1 
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6481-5960

Rodrigo Corvalán1 

Eduardo Messen2 
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4008-8572

Paulo Sandoval3 
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3084-0142

1Alumno postgrado especialidad Ortodoncia y ortopedia maxilofacial Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco, Chile.ORCID: 0000-0001-6481-5960

2Especialista en Ortodoncia y ortopedia maxilofacial. Docente clínico Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco, Chile.ORCID: 0000-0003-4008-8572

3 Prof. Mg. Especialista en Ortodoncia y ortopedia maxilofacial Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco, Chile. ortodonciadrsandoval.temuco@gmail.comORCID: 0000-0003-3084-0142


ABSTRACT

Abstract: Introduction: Upper airway assessment is particularly important in the daily work of orthodontists, pediatric dentists, ENT specialists, speech therapists, etc., because of its close connection with the development of craniofacial structures and with other pathologies such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS). Objective: To review the limits, functions and anomalies of different areas that compose the upper airway, to provide information about specific methods most widely used by specialists for their evaluation, and to describe and evaluate the information level and diagnostic accuracy of methods such as lateral cephalometric analysis and cone beam CT. Materials and Methods: The search was conducted on PubMed, with the following keywords: upper airway and CBCT, upper airway and assessment, evaluation and upper airway; upper airway and orthodontics. Only studies less than 5 years old were selected. A total of 46 papers were read and finally, 38 studios were selected. Conclusions: It is essential to know upper airway assessment methods, which include a clinical examination, a radiographic evaluation and CBCT. These will indicate possible functional changes that could interfere with treatment

Keywords: upper airway; CBCT; clinical assessment; orthodontics

RESUMEN

Resumen:Introducción: La valoración de la vía aérea es parte del diario trabajo del ortodoncista, odontopediatra, otorrino, fonoaudiólogo, etc. debido su interrelación con el desarrollo de las estructuras craneofaciales, así como también con patologías como el Sindrome Apnea Obtructiva del Sueño. Objetivo: Recordar los limites, funciones y anomalías de la vía aérea superior, informar acerca de los métodos para su evaluación, así como evaluar el nivel de información y precisión diagnóstica de los exámenes complemetarios, (cefalometría lateral y cone beam). Materiales y Metodo: La búsqueda se realizó por Pubmed con palabras clave y solo se seleccionaron los que tenían menos de 5 años, de éstos se excluyeron a partir del título los que se consideraron irrelevantes para la revisión. Fueron leidos 46 resumenes y seleccionados 38 articulos. Conclusiones: Es fundamental conocer métodos de evaluación de vía aérea que incluyen; un examen clínico, evaluación radiográfica y de Conebeam, éstos alertan de alteraciones que interfieren en el tratamiento.

Palabras Clave: Vía Aérea Superior; CBCT; Evaluación Clínica; Ortodoncia

Introduction

Upper airway assessment and its interactions with craniofacial growth and development have been of interest to ENT specialists, laryngologists, speech therapists, pediatricians and dentists. Upper airway obstruction tends to alter breathing, which can have a significant impact on the normal development of craniofacial structures, causing deficiencies in transverse maxillary growth, as well as cause the rotational growth of the back of the mandible. These anomalies require early detection, and it has been shown that the early diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome allows for an almost complete normalization of dentofacial morphology1.

The methods described to assess the airway include: nasal endoscopy, rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinomanometry2,3, cephalometry, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). When trying to find a connection between subjective and objective nasal obstruction, researchers found an association only for allergic rhinitis. However, they have not found a subjective connection with any other alteration such as asthma, septal deviation, enlarged adenoids or Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS), so it is important to assess the airway beyond the symptoms described by the patient4,5.

In orthodontics, upper airway alterations must always be evaluated clinically at the start of the treatment, as well as through lateral cephalograms or CBCT. Cephalometry provides a 2D reconstruction of three-dimensional structures, so the information provided is limited. The CBCT shows 3D structures, the construction of projections on different planes, and allows us to measure the volume of different structures, so it provides a large amount of diagnostic information. However, it is not a routine examination and involves a larger radiation dose.

The aim of this review is to analyze and present the available evidence, from 2008 to date, on upper airway assessment from an interdisciplinary perspective towards orthodontics.

Development

Anatomy and physiology of the upper airway

Breathing allows for a simple exchange of gases between venous blood and atmospheric air; the air gives part of its oxygen to the blood, and the blood releases carbonic acid and water vapor into the air. Through the reciprocal effect of this gas exchange, venous blood recovers all its chemical and biological qualities, and becomes arterial blood.

The essential organs of the respiratory system are the lungs, located on either side of the thorax, on each side of the heart, and the great vessels. To reach the lungs, atmospheric air follows a long passage, the airway, which comprises the nasal cavity and incidentally the mouth. Then it includes successively the pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi. The upper airway is formed by the nasal cavity and the pharynx.

Nasal cavity

The normal airway starts, from the functional perspective, in the nostrils. The nasal cavity includes the nose, the nasal cavities, and extend to the back with the nasopharynx. In addition to breathing, it has very specific functions, such as smell and phonation.

A deviated septum, a narrow nasal cavity, and turbinate hypertrophy are some of the signs that cause mouth breathing and OSAS. In allergic rhinitis, which is also related to upper airway obstruction, the nasal mucous membrane swell with dust particles, pollen or even cold, also affecting the eyes and nose and causing a decrease in air flow6.

Oral cavity

The mouth includes the lips, at the front, up to the oropharyngeal isthmus, at the back. Functionally, it is a very important structure as the food enters the digestive system through it, and it is an essential organ for mastication, phonation, taste, deglutition and breathing. It is formed by the maxillary, palatal and mandible bones, the tongue, lips and cheeks, and the oropharynx at the back. The palate is the roof of the oral cavity and the floor of the nasal cavity. It has a bone base, the hard palate, and fibromuscular tissue, the soft palate.

The tongue is a single, muscular medium-size, symmetrical, highly mobile organ, located in the curvatures within the dental arches, filling in this space when the mouth is closed. The tongue is not only the essential organ of taste and deglutition, but it also plays an important role in mastication, swallowing, suction and the articulation of sounds. As its muscle tone decreases during sleep, the tongue can block the upper airway. Jointly with the loss of muscle tone of the pharyngeal walls and the soft palate, it contributes to the collapse of the airway, one of the main causes of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

The palatine tonsils are two masses of lymphoid tissue located on the side walls of the oral pharynx, between the palatoglossus and palatopharyngeus muscles. Each tonsil is covered by mucosa, and its inner side projects into the pharynx. The tonsils reach their maximum size in the early years of childhood and decrease in size considerably after puberty.

Pharynx

The pharynx is a tube-like structure formed by muscles and membranes (Fig. 1). It measures approximately 12-14 cm and is divided into three parts: nasopharynx, oropharynx and laringopharynx.

The nasopharynx is the upper part of the respiratory system. It is located behind the nasal cavity and on the soft palate. The nasopharynx is lined with a mucous membrane of respiratory epithelium, and becomes transitional epithelium in the oropharynx. In the roof submucosa there is a collection of lymphoid tissue called pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids), which, when large in size, is the main obstruction to the passage of air through the nasopharynx.

The oropharynx extends from the second to the fourth vertebra and opens into the oral cavity through an isthmus. The upper end is the soft palate, and the lower end is the lingual side of the epiglottis. The tongue is the main blocking element in the oropharynx, due to the general decrease in tone of the genioglossus muscle, which contracts to move the tongue forward during inspiration, and in this way, acts as a pharyngeal dilator.

The laringopharynx joins the oropharynx at the pharyngoepiglottic fold and hyoid bone, and continues up to the sixth vertebra. It is behind the opening in the larynx. The outer wall is formed by the thyroid cartilage and the thyroid membrane.

Fig. 1 

Most commonly used otorhinolaryngology tests for upper airway assessment

Rhinomanometry

It aims to objectively evaluate nasal obstruction. There are different types of rhinomanometry (RMM), active anterior RMM being the one most frequently used. This evaluates nasal airflow in inspiration and expiration by detecting potential obstructions and/or resistance. This can be done with a face mask or by placing an olive in each nostril; the first device has the advantage of not deforming the nostrils, reducing the possibility of leakage. However, it requires full patient cooperation and cannot be implemented if there is total occlusion of one nostril or a septal perforation. After placing the mask, airflows are measured with the rhinomanometer, and the data are analyzed computationally and then graphs are designed in pressure/volume curves. After a first measurement in basal conditions, the recording is repeated under the effect of a topical vasoconstrictor, which will differentiate mechanical obstructions (which do not vary with the vasoconstrictor), vasomotor obstructions (which fully improve with the vasoconstrictor) and mixed obstructions (which improve partially with the vasoconstrictor). In general, any cause of obstruction with bone, cartilage or tissues, with little edema or whose vasoconstriction cannot be affected, as well as inflammatory etiologies, with edema and tissue susceptible to vasoconstriction, will yield vasomotor curves. The pathology which best represents mechanical obstruction is the deviated septum, and the main vasomotor obstruction is inferior turbinate hypertrophy.

Acoustic rhinometry

It is the study of the geometry of the nasal cavity. It is based on the analysis of sound reflection and provides a calculation of cross-sectional areas of the nasal cavity and of certain nasal volumes. This is done by generating an audible sound in the nostril with an adapter, taking care not to deform the nasal vestibule. The sound wave penetrates the cavities and is reflected on the different nasal structures or their irregularities. Incident wave signals are measured and reflected according to time, which makes it possible to determine the distance, from the nostril, where there is a change in acoustic impedance. The most interesting data are the “minimum cross-sectional areas 1 and 2 (MCA1 and MCA2)”. MCA1 corresponds anatomically to the area at the nasal valve level (bounded by the caudal margin of the upper lateral cartilage and the nasal septum), which has the greatest resistance in the normal nose. MCA2 corresponds to the area at the level of the head of the inferior turbinate. As in active anterior RMM, the study can be performed before and after applying a vasoconstrictor for the same purpose and with a similar interpretation of the results.

Nasopharyngolaryngoscopy

This test evaluates the anatomy of the upper airway, as well as the soft palate, the movement of the vocal cords and the process of deglutition. It is performed with a flexible fiberscope which is inserted through the nasal cavities to observe both pharynx and larynx. The patient is usually awake, and topical lidocaine is applied on the nostrils and, as the case may be, vasoconstrictor (oxymetazoline). During the test, the patient may be asked to talk, cough or swallow, depending on what is being evaluated. The following anatomical elements should be evaluated: deviations of the nasal septum, size of inferior turbinates, presence and size of the adenoid tissue, quantity and quality of nasal secretion, size of palatine tonsils and of the base of the tongue and its relationship with the oropharyngeal cavity, abduction of the vocal cords, subglottic diameter, and presence of masses or pathological deformities at any of these levels7.

Functional Nasal Permeability (PeNaF):

It is a clinical examination that assesses the independent functional nasal permeability of each cavity. The performance is recorded as negative (-) when the patient maintains nasal breathing for six inspirations at rest, and positive (+) when the patient fails to maintain it for six inspirations. A study validated in Chile recommends orthodontists implement this simple examination to rule out a possible nasal obstruction. If this is not the case, they should request an objective assessment to check the increase in nasal resistance8.

Clinical examination

Physical assessment includes facial morphology, skeletal jaw relationships, functional assessment of nostrils, the size and function of the tongue and the anatomy of the soft palate, uvula and tonsils.

Regarding facial morphology, Class II patterns due to mandibular retrusion have smaller upper airway volumes, which is usually associated with adenoid hypertrophy9,10,11, which includes lip hypotonia, with a very short upper lip and a thick and everted bottom lip.

Functional assessment of nostrils (Duran V.)

To do this we observe nostril response to intense inspiration, paying special attention to the degree of collapse during the maneuver (Fig. 2). This is the classification obtained:

Value 0: Dilated nostrils both at rest and in deep inspiration

Value 1: Narrowed nostrils at rest, without functional collapse

Value 2: Functional partial unilateral collapse

Value 3: Functional total unilateral or bilateral partial collapse

Value 4: Functional partial collapse of one nostril and total collapse of the other one

Value 5: Total functional collapse in both nostrils9

Fig. 2 

Intraoral evaluation

The tonsils are assessed according to the degree of obstruction of the oropharynx, on a scale of 1 to 4. This is a reliable clinical evaluation method (Fig. 3). In Grade 1, the tonsils are within their cavity; in Grade 2, they do not exceed the midline between the uvula and the anterior pillar of the soft palate; in Grade 3, they go over the midline between the uvula and the anterior pillar; and in Grade 4, the tonsils are less than 4 mm between them. A degree of obstruction Grades 3 or 4 represents a decrease in airway permeability12.

Fig. 3: Pharyngeal examination without tongue protrusion 

Upper airway assessment is done with the Mallampati score, which evaluates the risk of obstruction of the airway (Fig. 4). It is based on the visual assessment of the oropharyngeal structures, mainly the distance between the tip of the uvula and the tongue base. In Class 1 there is full visibility of the tonsils, uvula and soft palate; in Class 2 there is visibility of the hard and soft palate, the upper section of the tonsils and uvula; in Class 3 there is visibility of the hard and soft palate, and the base of the uvula; and in Class 4, only the hard palate is visible. Classes 3 and 4 are commonly present in breathing-related sleep disorders, even after an adenotonsillectomy13.

Fig. 4: Mallampatie score (with assisted protrusion of the tongue) 

Supplementary examinations

Upper airway assessment in lateral cephalograms

Lateral cephalometry is commonly used in clinical practice given its relative simplicity, accessibility, low cost and low exposure to radiation.

Cephalometric tracing can identify different characteristics that may indicate a narrow upper airway. Lateral cephalograms provide reliable linear measurements14, can measure the dimensions of the nasopharyngeal and retropalatal regions, but have not proven to be reliable to measure the airway in the back of the tongue15. However, this is a highly reproducible test using the natural position of the patient’s head, provided that it is run correctly16. A 2013 meta-analysis on craniofacial morphology found a significant relationship between a reduced upper airway at the pharynx level (mainly adenoid hypertrophy) and pediatric sleep disorders17.

Figure 5 shows the points and lines most commonly used to assess upper airway obstruction, as well as the reference airway diameters and the diameters for individuals with OSAS in Table 1 18.

In 1984, McNamara stated that there is obstruction of the airway if there is a distance lower than 5 mm. Between the nearest points of the posterior wall of the nasopharynx and of the soft palate (Figure 5B). In 1979, Fujioka et al. described the adenoidal-nasopharyngeal ratio (AN ratio), which relates the length of the line perpendicular to the sphenoid bone (A) by the thickest portion of the adenoids with the distance between the posterior nasal spine and the anterior edge of the sphenobasioccipital synchondrosis (N). An AN <0.8 is considered normal and an AN >0.8 is considered enlarged (Fig. 5D). In addition, Feres, Murilo et al. in 2012 found that both parameters had good reproducibility and a variability which was not clinically significant.

Fig. 5 

One of the most common reasons for upper airway obstruction is hypertrophic adenoids, defined as a collection of lymphoid tissues in the posterior wall of the nasopharynx which increase in volume as the immune activity increases. Before planning an orthodontic treatment, this area is usually observed in the lateral cephalometry, therefore, lateral teleradiography is used as a profitable and reproducible diagnostic method which is easy to interpret when assessing the size of the adenoids. With the advent of CBCT, 3D images were made available to orthodontists. Studies have tried to correlate lateral cephalograms and CBCT in relation to the linear volumes of the airway, but no clear consensus has been established.

Table 1: Reference airway diameters and diameters for individuals with OSAS 

Adenoids develop progressively, with their highest growth achieved between 4 and 5 years of age, followed by another peak between 9 and 10, and then the size decreases progressively until 14 to 15 years of age19.

A study was conducted to assess whether adenoidal ratio on lateral cephalograms can be used to estimate airway volumes, using CBCT as the validation method. They concluded that the lateral cephalogram can provide some information about the nasopharyngeal space, particularly in patients over 15. This is due to the stability reached by the tissue at this age; however, it cannot be used as a diagnostic procedure to determine the volume of the total airway, but rather as an assessment tool to determine the need for a more comprehensive ENT examination20. Fiber endoscopy is the most successful diagnostic test for adenoid hypertrophy. Of the radiological examinations, only cephalometry has proven useful for the study of the facial skeleton21.

Upper airway assessment using CBCT

Since its creation in 1990, the CBCT has been well adopted for diagnosis in the maxillofacial area, as it provides a 3D representation of the structures at a low cost and with an effective radiation dose which is much lower when compared to computed tomography (CT)10,22. Although CBCT is less effective than CT in tissue discrimination, it defines the boundaries between tissues and empty spaces with high spatial resolution21. In addition, several studies have shown that it is accurate and reliable for upper airway assessment1,10,14,22,23,).

Volumetric reconstructions that may be obtained from CBCTs help clinicians make a correct diagnosis and indicate a better treatment plan for some pathologies of the maxillofacial area, especially those related to the airway24. Three-dimensional images and volumes can be obtained from two-dimensional slices with CBCT after a complex process, which involves the use of especially designed computer programs25. For the volumetric reconstruction and visualization of the upper airway, these software programs must allow us to find the correct location of the boundaries of the pharynx and nasal cavity (segmentation) through a process that can be manual, automatic or semi-automatic. Three commercial software programs for the study of the airway were analyzed. They were found to have reliable reproducible and accurate results of linear measurements, but they lost accuracy when calculating the volume of the airway. This could be due to the automatic segmentation of the nasal cavity, the nasopharynx and oropharynx. Weissheimer et al. in 201231 had the same results when analyzing six commercial software programs.

Besides the differences found in the use of different programs, when assessing the volume of the upper airway we should consider the differences in the anatomical boundaries of the nasopharynx and oropharynx, reported in different studies. The upper boundary of the nasopharynx and the lower boundary of the oropharynx have the greatest variability, followed by the boundary between these two structures. The oral cavity and the nasal cavity do not show variability in their boundaries1,22.

Alsufyani et al., in their 2012 review1, suggest that the protocol proposed by EI and Palomo in 2010 should be replicated in other studies. The nasopharynx, on the sagittal plane, was delimited from the last slice before the nasal septum joins the posterior wall of the pharynx, on the sagittal plane; the lower boundary was determined by the palatal plane. The upper boundary of the oropharynx is the nasopharynx, and the lower one is the parallel to the plane that goes through the lowest anterior point of the second cervical vertebra (Fig. 6). These authors suggest using as lower boundary the section between the oropharynx to C2, and not a lower sector, such as C3, C4, or the epiglottis, because in this way we can use smaller windows and reduce the radiation dose patients receive. The segmentation was performed manually and 30-cm windows (FOV) were used, though a 13-cm window is acceptable to display the oropharynx or the nasopharynx and the nasal cavity.

Fig. 6 

We must also consider the head position and the position of the patient when the CBCT is taken to obtain accurate and repeatable upper airway measurements and volumes. The position of the hyoid bone and tongue, and the dimension of the airway would be highly reproducible using the natural position of the head when taking lateral cephalograms16. In addition, it has been found that individuals would be approximately 40% more affected by the width of the airway in an upright position15. Solow et al.18 determined that in an upright position or by increasing the cervical skull angle, there is an increase in upper airway diameters. Alsufyani1 states that images must be obtained with the patient in a sitting position so as not to affect airway diameter.

Two systematic literature reviews1,22 concluded that although major progress has been made in the capture and management of CBCT images, there is no optimized evidence-based protocol to obtain images to analyze the upper airway. Several obstacles must still be overcome, such as the influence of the position of the tongue, mandible morphology, the impact of the respiratory phase and the definition of the anatomical boundaries of the upper airway, as well as the lack of consistency in the configuration of the equipment and in how images and volumetric reconstructions are obtained.

McCrillis et al., in a 2009 review, indicate a lack of studies to map the characteristics shown in the upper airway CBCT with clinical results according to the treatment modality, so that the various modalities are based on predictable outcomes27.

Airway and skeletal patterns

A study conducted in New Delhi compared the reliability of lateral cephalograms and computed tomographies to assess airways. They compared three skeletal patterns determined by the different values of the ANB angle, and related their linear values taken from the cephalometries to volumetric values delivered by CT, and concluded that the skeletal pattern had a strong association with pharyngeal volume and its linear dimensions. They also found sex dimorphism in relation to normal values. They also noted that the S-shaped soft palate can be considered high-risk for sleep apnea compared to the leaf shape, which is more common28.

In contrast, Dalmau et al., found in Spain no statistically significant differences that correlate airway with skeletal patterns or facial biotypes. However, they did find correlations, for example, for upper airway measurement. Class II subjects presented higher measurements than Class I and III patients. Additionally, the measurements for Class III were higher for lower areas29. This agrees with the recent results of Lucas Castro-Silva et al., in Brazil, who also found a positive correlation of higher values of pharyngeal airway for Class III patients30. A new study by El and Palomo found that oropharyngeal airway volumes were lower in Class II patients compared to Class I and Class III patients. They also state that the mandibular position with respect to the skull base has a strong impact on oropharyngeal volume.

All these results are conclusive in the sense that airway volume and shape vary in patients with different maxillomandibular relationships in the sagittal direction20.

Conclusions

Referencias

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Received: February 06, 2017; Accepted: July 01, 2017

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