Gender-Based Variations in Upper Pharyngeal Airway Volume: A Volumetric Study of a sample of Upper Egypt Population

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Minia University

Abstract

Background: The upper pharyngeal airway (UPA) is critical for respiratory function, and its size and volume significantly affect the craniofacial structure and occlusion. Gender differences play a key role in the variations in airway dimensions. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has become the preferred method for precise 3D analysis of airway morphology due to its accuracy and low radiation exposure compared to traditional computed Tomography (CT). However, limited research exists on UPA dimensions in the Upper Egypt population.
Purpose: This study investigates the effect of gender on upper pharyngeal airway dimensions in a sample of Upper Egypt population using 3D volumetric analysis.
Material and Methods: A total of 90 CBCT scans (38 males and 52 females, ages 18–60) were analyzed. The upper pharyngeal airway was segmented into the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx, with total volumes measured using Dolphin 3D software.
Results: Results revealed significant differences in gender, with males showing consistently larger nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and total airway volumes compared to females. These differences may be attributed to variations in the craniofacial structures .
Conclusions: Pharyngeal airway volume is significantly influenced by gender, highlighting the need for gender-specific considerations in the diagnosis and treatment.

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Egyptian Dental Journal
Volume 71, Issue 2 - Serial Number 3
April (Oral Medicine, X-Ray, Oral Biology & Oral Pathology)
April 2025
Pages 1385-1391

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