Relations between body mass index, laryngeal fat pads, and laryngeal airway configuration in adult men population

Background The impact of body mass index (BMI) on pharyngeal fat pads has been well studied, yet no study has assessed its associations on laryngeal morphology. Objectives To study the associations of BMI differences on laryngeal morphology in adult males using computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans. Methods All adult male patients who underwent head and neck CTAs between 2011 and 2018 were initially included and categorized according to their BMI: (1) BMI < 20; (2) 20 <= BMI < 25; (3) 25 <= BMI < 30; (4) 30 <= BMI < 35; and (5) BMI >= 35. Anatomical measurements included pre-epiglottic and paraglottic fat-pad dimensions, airway width at the epiglottis tip and base, and epiglottis angle. For statistical analysis, BMI was regarded both as a categorical and continuous variable. Results One hundred and five scans were included. BMI ranged from 15.90 to 44.40 kg/m(2). Significant differences were found in pre-epiglottic and paraglottic fat measurements between BMI subgroups 1-5 (Pre-epiglottic fat depth: 17.75, 17.74, 19.04, 20.73, and 21.09 mm, respectively,P = 0.005, correlation 0.343, andP < 0.001 in continuous measurement; Paraglottic space average width: 3.5, 5.4, 5.46, 6.85, and 7.38 mm,P < 0.001, correlation 0.532, andP < 0.001 in continuous measurement). As BMI increased, the epiglottis-hard-palate angle increased (56.4 degrees, 55.3 degrees, 65.2 degrees, 64 degrees, and 68.4 degrees,P = 0.001, correlation 0.354, andP < 0.001 in continuous measurement). No significant difference was found in airway width between subgroups at the epiglottis tip or base. Yet, in continuous variables analysis, a significant negative correlation was found between BMI scores and the airway width at the epiglottis base (-0.226,P = 0.02). Conclusions In adult males, BMI is correlated with laryngeal fat-pad volume, affecting its morphology and airway width. Clinical implications regarding obstructive sleep apnea and voice quality should be further investigated.

Automated summary

The study found a positive correlation between BMI and laryngeal fat-pad volume in adult males, affecting morphology and airway width. Further investigation is needed regarding clinical implications for obstructive sleep apnea and voice quality.