OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and pharyngometric dimensions as clinical predictors of OSAS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pharyngometry included tonsil size, the breadth of the uvula (UB), the distance between the uvula and the posterior pharyngeal wall and open mouth standardized photographic measurement of the dimension of the free oropharynx (FOP). We also assessed modified Mallampati grade (MMP). In addition, clinical data on body weight, height, nasal obstruction and cardiovascular disease were included in our analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 96 consecutive patients of both sexes with sleep disorders were investigated with somnography. Of these, 35 were considered to have OSAS, with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of > or = 10. Body mass index (BMI), FOP, UB, the use of cardiovascular medication and hypertension were significantly related to AHI, and tonsil size showed borderline significance. Regression models were used to determine an OSAS index using the parameters BMI and FOP. The index had a positive predictive value of 82% and a negative predictive value of 77%.

CONCLUSIONS: We showed that a photographic assessment of pharyngeal dimensions was significantly associated with OSAS. We also confirmed previous findings of associations between OSAS, BMI and cardiovascular morbidity.