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. 2012;7(8):e43405.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043405. Epub 2012 Aug 29.

Three dimensional assessment of the pharyngeal airway in individuals with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate

Tracy Cheung  1 , Snehlata Oberoi
Affiliations

Three dimensional assessment of the pharyngeal airway in individuals with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate

Tracy Cheung et al. PLoS One. 2012.

Abstract

Introduction: Children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) are known to have airway problems. Previous studies have shown that individuals with CLP have a 30% reduction in nasal airway size compared to non-cleft controls. No reports have been found on cross-sectional area and volume of the pharyngeal airway in clefts. Introduction of Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) and imaging software has facilitated generation of 3D images for assessment of the cross-sectional area and volume of the airway.

Objective: To assess the pharyngeal airway in individuals with CLP using CBCT by measuring volume and smallest cross-sectional areas and compare with 19 age- and sex-matched non-cleft controls.

Methods: Retrospective study of CBCT data of pre-adolescent individuals (N = 19, Mean age = 10.6, 7 females, 12 males, UCLP = 6, BCLP = 3) from the Center for Craniofacial Anomalies. Volumetric analysis was performed using image segmentation features in CB Works 3.0. Volume and smallest cross-sectional were studied in both groups. Seven measurements were repeated to verify reliability using Pearson correlation coefficient. Volume and cross-sectional area differences were analyzed using paired t-tests.

Results: The method was found to be reliable. Individuals with CLP did not exhibit smaller total airway volume and cross sectional area than non-CLP controls.

Conclusion: 3D imaging using CBCT and CB Works is reliable for assessing airway volume. Previous studies have shown that the nasal airway is restricted in individuals with CLP. In our study, we found that the pharyngeal airway is not compromised in these individuals.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Landmarks of pharyngeal airway as shown in sagittal view.
1) Center of Sella to Posterior Nasal Spine 2) Hard Palate 3) Vallecula 4) Junction of larynx and esophagus.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Graph depicting airway volume in CLP vs. non-CLP.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Graph depicting smallest cross-sectional area not significantly different in CLP vs. non-CLP.
Figure 4
Figure 4. Comparisons of airway length in CLP vs. non-CLP, CLP boys vs. non-CLP boys and CLP girls vs. non-CLP girls.
Figure 5
Figure 5. Graph depicting strong positive correlation between volume and smallest cross-sectional area in non-CLP.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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