No correlation between two-dimensional measurements and three-dimensional configuration of the pharyngeal upper airway space in cone-beam computed tomography

Differences between genders and age effects were estimated in an analysis of covariance. P values <.05 were considered significant. Linear models were fitted to find the optimal formula to calculate the area or volume from measured distances. Limits of agreement were calculated as 2 ± residual standard deviations. We generated normal 2D and 3D values of the PAS for a normal population. In regard to age, no significant differences were observed. Significant differences were assessed between healthy males and females; however no correlation was observed between the obtained measurements in 2D axial view and the corresponding cross-sectional areas and mean volume in 3D view. In summary, radiologic imaging is a helpful tool to evaluate the airway space in patients with OSAS. However, drawing conclusions from 2D PAS imaging to assess 3D PAS configuration is not reliable, since there is no sufficient correlation between posterior-anterior distances and the corresponding cross-sectional areas.