The Impact of Diagnostic Imaging on Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Feedback from a Narrative Review

• Published in: Diagnostics (Basel) Vol. 15; no. 3; p. 238
• Main Authors: Lavalle, Salvatore, Caranti, Alberto, Iannella, Giannicola, Pace, Annalisa, Lentini, Mario, Maniaci, Antonino, Campisi, Ruggero, Via, Luigi La, Giannitto, Caterina, Masiello, Edoardo, Vicini, Claudio, Messineo, Daniela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 21.01.2025; MDPI
• Subjects: Airway management; artificial intelligence in medicine; diagnostic imaging technologies; Ethics; Human subjects; Magnetic resonance imaging; Medical imaging; Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA); Pathogenesis; Pathophysiology; Pediatrics; Planning; Radiation; Respiration; Review; Sleep apnea; sleep medicine advancement; Tomography; Ultrasonic imaging; diagnostic imaging technologies; artificial intelligence in medicine; sleep medicine advancement; airway management; Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
• ISSN: 2075-4418; 2075-4418
• DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics15030238

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep and associated comorbidities. Effective, traditional diagnostic methods, such as polysomnography, have limitations in providing comprehensive anatomical detail. Recent advancements in imaging technology have the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and management of OSA, offering detailed insights into airway anatomy, function, and dynamics. This paper explores the latest innovations in imaging modalities, including high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging, functional MRI, three-dimensional airway reconstructions, and the integration of artificial intelligence algorithms for enhanced image analysis. We discuss the potential of these technologies to improve the precision of OSA diagnosis, tailor treatment strategies, and predict treatment outcomes. Moreover, we examine the challenges of implementing these advanced imaging techniques in clinical practice, such as cost, accessibility, and the need for validation in diverse patient populations. We also consider the ethical implications of widespread imaging, particularly regarding data security and patient privacy. The future of OSA management is poised for transformation as these imaging technologies promise to provide a more nuanced understanding of the disorder and facilitate personalized treatment approaches. This paper calls for continued research and collaboration across disciplines to ensure these innovations lead to improved patient care and outcomes in the field of sleep medicine.