Exploring The Possible Correlation Between Levator Origin Distance and Craniofacial Syndrome Diagnosis.

Abstract

Authors: Loghan Jones; Imani R. Gilbert, MS; Samantha J. Power, MS; Taylor D. Snodgrass, MS; Jamie L. Perry, PhD

Title:

Exploring the possible correlation between levator origin distance and craniofacial syndrome diagnosis.

Introduction/Background:

Velopharyngeal closure is a phenomenon that occurs during oral speech production and swallowing. This closure is primarily completed through retraction and elevation of a velopharyngeal muscle known as the levator veli palatini muscle. The levator veli palatini (LVP) muscle originates from the petrous portion of the temporal bones and then inserts into the velum (Perry, 2011). Literature has suggested that the distance between the two originating portions of the LVP may be highly correlated to craniofacial syndromes (i.e., 22q11.2. deletion syndrome); however, this study had a small sample size (i.e., n=15) and only included one craniofacial syndrome (Kollara et al., 2019). As the LVP origin-to-origin distance measurement has been shown to be significantly shorter in one craniofacial syndrome compared to healthy peers, the overarching purpose of the present study is to determine if LVP origin to origin distance varies significantly compared to individuals with and without a variety of craniofacial syndromes.

Methodology:

In accordance with the Institutional Review Boards at the University of East Carolina University, 165 children were enrolled in this study. The control group and the patient group were matched by age (+/- 1 year), sex, and race. MRI data was obtained for each subject. MRI data will be analyzed in Amira 3D Visualization Software in order to obtain measurements related to levator angle of origin and levator origin to origin distance.

Results:

Data analysis is still ongoing and is expected to be completed by March 2025.

Closure:

The analysis of the potential relationship between LVP origin distance and craniofacial syndrome diagnosis is an important aspect of cleft and craniofacial care as this correlation can possibly lead to accurate diagnosis of a variety of craniofacial syndromes. By investigating this topic, the quality and efficiency of overall cleft care can be improved.

References:

Perry, J. L. (2011). Anatomy and physiology of the velopharyngeal mechanism. Seminars in Speech and Language, 17;32;(2), 083-092. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1277712

Kollara, L., Baylis, A. L., Kirschner, R. E., Bates, D. G., Smith, M., Fang, X., & Perry, J. L. (2019).

Velopharyngeal Structural and Muscle Variations in Children With 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: An Unsedated MRI Study. The Cleft palate-craniofacial journal : official publication of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, 56(9), 1139–1148. https://doi.org/10.1177/1055665619851660