Lewis K. Shin1,2, Andrew B. Holbrook1,
Catherine E. Chang1, Juan M. Santos3, Nancy J.
Fischbein4, Robson Capasso5, Clete A. Kushida6
1Radiology / Lucas Center
for MRI, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States; 2PAVAHCS,
Palo Alto, CA, United States; 3HeartVista Inc, Palo Alto, CA; 4Radiology,
Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States; 5Otolaryngology/Head
& Neck Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States; 6Psychiatry
& Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
We present a unique, real-time MRI protocol that images the upper airway in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with synchronous polysomnography performed. OSA is a clinical disorder characterized by occlusion and/or narrowing of the upper airway occurring during sleep which results in breathing cessation (apnea) or decreased airflow (hypopnea). An overview of OSA, MRI technique utilized, polysomnography setup (e.g. EEG, EMG, EOG, and nasal/oral airflow monitoring) is reviewed. The potential utility of this protocol is illustrated by a clinical case where unexpected findings altered the planned surgery.