Abstract #4634

Real-Time MRI with Synchronous Polysomnography of the Upper Airway in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Lewis K. Shin^1,2, 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.