The effect of surgical weight loss on upper airway fat in obstructive sleep apnoea.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Obesity is a reversible risk factor for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Weight loss can potentially improve OSA by reducing fat around and within tissues surrounding the upper airway, but imaging studies are limited. Our aim was to study the effects of large amounts of weight loss on the upper airway and volume and fat content of multiple surrounding soft tissues.

Methods

Participants undergoing bariatric surgery were recruited. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at baseline and six-months after surgery. Volumetric analysis of the airway space, tongue, pharyngeal lateral walls, and soft palate were performed as well as calculation of intra-tissue fat content from Dixon imaging sequences.

Results

Among 18 participants (89% women), the group experien

SUBMITTER: Sutherland K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10427513 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature