PREDICTING VELOPHARYNGEAL CLOSURE PATTERNS BASED ON ANATOMIC VARIABLES

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of velopharyngeal (VP) variables and sex among adults with normal velopharyngeal anatomy to determine if these variables could correspond with VP closure patterns. Methods: A total of 38 adults in three racial groups (Caucasian, African American, and Japanese) participated. A three-dimensional anatomical MRI scan with high resolution was utilized to gather magnetic resonance images. Measurements were obtained on velar length, effective velar length, pharyngeal depth, nasopharyngeal length, thickness of posterior pharyngeal wall, adenoid thickness, and nasopharyngeal width. Results: Velar length and adenoid thickness vary based on closure patterns, with coronal closure pattern demonstrating significantly larger values compared to circular closure pattern. There were no statistically significant differences for effective velar length, pharyngeal depth, nasopharyngeal length, posterior pharyngeal wall thickness, and nasopharyngeal width based on the type of closure pattern. Closure patterns vary based on gender, with females demonstrating a circular closure pattern compared to males who demonstrate more of a coronal closure pattern. Nasopharyngeal length, velar length, and nasopharyngeal width vary based on gender, with males demonstrating significantly larger values compared to females. Conclusions: This study is the first study to examine the interaction of VP variables and sex on VP closure patterns. Velopharyngeal measures and gender revealed statistically significant differences when investigating closure patterns.