Craniofacial and airway morphology of individuals with oculoauriculovertebral spectrum

Abstract

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to characterize the craniofacial and airway morphology of oculo‐auriculo‐vertebral spectrum (OAVS) individuals using computed tomography (CT) examination.Setting and Sample PopulationThis sample included individuals in the age range from 5 to 14 years, consisted of a group of 18 OAVS individuals (12 females and 6 males), Pruzansky‐Kaban1 IIB and III and by a paired control group matched by age and sex for comparison of morphometric and airway variables.Materials and MethodsThrough the CT examination, airway analysis was performed using Dolphin Imaging® Software, and seven morphometric measurements were performed to evaluate craniofacial morphology by Materialize Mimics® Software. To compare airway and morphometric variables, the control group was used. Student’s t test and Mann‐Whitney U test were performed to compare differences between the groups.ResultsStatistically significant differences were showed between the control and OAVS groups for the variables: total airway (TA) area, volume and MAA, RP area, RP volume, RP MAA, RG volume, RG MAA, total posterior height diff, Md incl and y‐axis asymmetry. Pearson and Spearman’s correlation showed mostly moderate correlations between Mand Occlusal canting AS with TA area and RP volume, Ax‐Gn with TA area and Hy‐C3 with TA volume.ConclusionsThe OAVS’s airway was altered and worse than the control group. Our results suggest that the contralateral side of OAVS individuals is unaffected; however, longitudinal assessments are needed to confirm it. Hyoid bone and postural measures play an important role in interpreting airway features of individuals with and without OAVS.