Normal standard curve for acoustic pharyngometry

Pharyngeal size, compliance, and the dynamic behavior of the upper airway a re important factors in the production of obstructive sleep apnea, Assessme nt of the upper airway for possible site(s) of obstruction is one of the ke ys to a successful management of the condition, Acoustic pharyngometry has the potential for localizing such sites, however, standardizing the operati ng technique and producing a standard normal curve is a prerequisite before exploring the potential of this equipment, A total number of 350 normal vo lunteers (271 males and 79 females) were examined by acoustic pharyngometry and a coefficient of variance of 5% to 7% was obtained from each of them. Mean and standard deviation of pharyngeal area at each point of X-axis (dis tance) was obtained and analyzed statistically to produce a general standar d curve. Using special techniques during examination, the oropharyngeal jun ction and glottis were located, and thus a mapped acoustic pharyngogram was produced. Mean pharyngeal area was 3.194 cm(2) in males (SD 0.311) and 2.8 14 cm(2) in females (SD 0.331). Mean glottic area was 1.06 cm(2) in males ( SD 0.119) and 0.936 cm(2) in females (SD 0.108), A minimal pharyngeal area is probably needed as a "golden standard" to evaluate patients with obstruc tive sleep apnea.