Evaluation of Central Obesity, Increased Body Mass Index, and its Relation to Oropharyngeal Airway Space Using Lateral Cephalogram in Risk Prediction of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

INTRODUCTION: Maxillofacial radiologists play a significant role in detecting airway changes using radiographic tools. Clinical examination parameters and lateral cephalogram parameters play a vital role in diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and dreadful consequences. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate central obesity, increased body mass index (BMI), and its relation to oropharyngeal airway space using lateral cephalogram in risk prediction of OSA. Objectives are to measure central obesity and BMI. METHODOLOGY: BMI is measured using World Health Organization guidelines to measure oropharyngeal airway space and the tongue and soft palate area using lateral cephalogram to predict OSA's risk using Berlin's questionnaire. Age group between 18 and 60 years with 20 individuals in each group will be present in the study. CONCLUSION: Cephalometric upper airway space and soft-tissue variables in different BMI groups were compared, and it was found that there was a decrease in SPAS, MAS with an increase in BMI, and in patients with BMI <24, there was narrower nasopharynx and oropharynx.