Using Tongue Ultrasound to Screen for Severe Sleep Apnea
Author Information
Author(s): Smiesko Milan, Jenigarova Ester, Stanko Peter, Kasa Zsolt, Cavarga Ivan, Lassan Stefan
Primary Institution: Department of Pneumology, Phthisiology and Functional Diagnostics, Slovak Medical University and Bratislava University Hospital
Hypothesis
Can tongue ultrasonography be used as an effective screening tool for severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)?
Conclusion
Tongue ultrasonography, particularly measuring tongue base thickness and distance between lingual arteries, shows promise as an effective screening tool for identifying severe OSAS.
Supporting Evidence
- A TBT threshold of ≥65 mm had a sensitivity of 74.4% and specificity of 61.9%.
- A DLA threshold of ≥30 mm showed a sensitivity of 69.8% and specificity of 71.1%.
- The overall accuracy of TBT and DLA measurements was 70.3% in identifying severe OSAS.
- Patients with severe OSAS had significantly higher TBT and DLA values compared to those without OSAS.
- The Q-OSAS questionnaire was positive in 74.4% of patients with severe OSAS.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a special ultrasound to look at the tongue to help find out if someone has a serious sleep problem called obstructive sleep apnea.
Methodology
The study involved a cross-sectional diagnostic design where 64 patients underwent tongue ultrasonography to measure tongue base thickness and distance between lingual arteries, which were then correlated with apnea-hypopnea index values from polysomnography.
Potential Biases
Potential for inaccurate self-reporting by patients, especially among professional drivers concerned about their health status.
Limitations
Prior tongue surgery could affect the measured parameters, and the Q-OSAS questionnaire's performance may be influenced by the setting in which it was administered.
Participant Demographics
The study included 64 participants (43 men, 21 women) aged 26 to 77 years, with an average age of 53.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website