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12-05-2024 | Computed Tomography | Original Article

Measurement of the lengths of different sections of the upper airway and their predictive factors

Authors: Saleh Alqaryan, Abdulaziz Alrabiah, Khaled Alhussinan, Mohammed Alyousef, Faisal Alosamey, Yousef Aljathlany, Abdullah Aljasser, Manal Bukhari, Mohammed Almohizea, Adeena Khan, Khalid Alqahtani, Ahmed Alammar

Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy | Issue 7/2024

Abstract

Background

No studies have been conducted to define the lengths of the upper airway’s different segments in normal healthy adults.

Aims/Objectives

This study aimed to determine the length of the subglottis and extrathoracic trachea and the factors affecting it.

Material and methods

This was an observational retrospective review study. Included 102 adult patients who underwent CT scan during the quiet inspiration phase of the upper airway.

Results

The results revealed significant positive linear relationships between height and both anterior and posterior subglottic measurements (p < 0.001). Additionally, a statistically significant, moderately strong negative correlation between age and extrathoracic tracheal measurements (p > 0.001) was observed. Men exhibited longer anterior (p < 0.001) and posterior (p > 0.001) subglottic measurements. In both sexes, the average length of the anterior subglottis was 14.16 (standard deviation [SD]: 2.72) mm, posterior subglottis was 14.51 (SD: 2.85) mm and extrathoracic trachea was 66.37 (SD: 13.71) mm.

Conclusion and significance

We concluded that a normal healthy adult’s anterior subglottis length is 6.3–19.3 mm (mean: 14.16 [SD: 2.72] mm), posterior subglottis length is 6.1–20.0 mm (mean: 14.51 [SD: 2.85] mm) and extrathoracic trachea length is 25.2–98.5 mm (mean: 66.37 [SD: 13.71] mm). Age, height and sex affected the upper airway length.

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Title: Measurement of the lengths of different sections of the upper airway and their predictive factors
Authors: Saleh Alqaryan
Abdulaziz Alrabiah
Khaled Alhussinan
Mohammed Alyousef
Faisal Alosamey
Yousef Aljathlany
Abdullah Aljasser
Manal Bukhari
Mohammed Almohizea
Adeena Khan
Khalid Alqahtani
Ahmed Alammar
Publication date: 12-05-2024
Publisher: Springer Paris
Keywords: Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography
Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy / Issue 7/2024
Print ISSN: 0930-1038
Electronic ISSN: 1279-8517
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-024-03345-6

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Abstract

Background

Aims/Objectives

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion and significance

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