The present study was designed to apply computed tomography (CT) scanning Jor the positional diagnosis oj airway obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and to compare the apnea index (AI) and the square measure oj the pharynx obtained beJore and after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and included 25 adult patients complained oj snoring and symptoms oj OSA. CT imaging oj the patients was perJormed at nasopharynx and oropharynx levels and measurements (saggital and coronal dimensions) were obtained and the cross-sectional area was calculated. At 6 weeks postoperatively, all patients underwent postoperative CT scanning, and the same measurements were obtained at the same level. All patients complained oj day-time sleepiness and snoring and being mouth breathers night-sleep and. Nine (47.4%) oj the male patients complained oj erectile dysfunction. Preoperative apnea index was determined Jor all patients and was ranging between 13 and 42; mean AI=27.4-9.2. Postoperatively, 14 patients (56%) had improvement in snoring during night sleep with disappearance oj mouth breathing. On contrary, only two males reported improvement oj their erectile dysfi1nction.
Subjectively. 16 patients (64%) had AIt 1 0 while 9 patients (36%) still having AI>10. Preoperative determination oj cross-sectional area using CT showed sensitivity Jor defining cases with OSA oj 90% and"accuracy oj diagnosis being 92%. and is the most specific data obtained by CT
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scanning (specificity and PPV= 1OCY}6). Moreover, there was a negative Significant correlation between AI and cross-sectional area, (r=-0.749. P