Correlation between acoustic rhinometry, computed rhinomanometry and cone-beam computed tomography in mouth breathers with transverse maxillary deficiency

Abstract Introduction To provide clinical information and diagnosis in mouth breathers with transverse maxillary deficiency with posterior crossbite, numerous exams can be performed; however, the correlation among these exams remains unclear. Objective To evaluate the correlation between acoustic rhinometry, computed rhinomanometry, and cone-beam computed tomography in mouth breathers with transverse maxillary deficiency. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 mouth breathers with transverse maxillary deficiency (7-13 y.o.) patients with posterior crossbite. The examinations assessed: (i) acoustic rhinometry: nasal volumes (0-5 cm and 2-5 cm) and minimum cross-sectional areas 1 and 2 of nasal cavity; (ii) computed rhinomanometry: flow and average inspiratory and expiratory resistance; (iii) cone-beam computed tomography: coronal section on the head of inferior turbinate (Widths 1 and 2), middle turbinate (Widths 3 and 4) and maxilla levels (Width 5). Acoustic rhinometry and computed rhinomanometry were evaluated before and after administration of vasoconstrictor. Results were compared by Spearman's correlation and Mann-Whitney tests (α = 0.05). Results Positive correlations were observed between: (i) flow evaluated before administration of vasoconstrictor and Width 4 (Rho = 0.380) and Width 5 (Rho = 0.371); (ii) Width 2 and minimum cross-sectional areas 1 evaluated before administration of vasoconstrictor (Rho = 0.380); (iii) flow evaluated before administration of vasoconstrictor and nasal volumes of 0-5 cm (Rho = 0.421), nasal volumes of 2-5 cm (Rho = 0.393) and minimum cross-sectional areas 1 (Rho = 0.375); (iv) Width 4 and nasal volumes of 0-5 cm evaluated before administration of vasoconstrictor (Rho = 0.376), nasal volumes of 2-5 cm evaluated before administration of vasoconstrictor (Rho = 0.376), minimum cross-sectional areas 1 evaluated before administration of vasoconstrictor (Rho = 0.410) and minimum cross-sectional areas 1 after administration of vasoconstrictor (Rho = 0.426); (v) Width 5 and Width 1 (Rho = 0.542), Width 2 (Rho = 0.411), and Width 4 (Rho = 0.429). Negative correlations were observed between: (i) Width 4 and average inspiratory resistance (Rho = −0.385); (ii) average inspiratory resistance evaluated before administration of vasoconstrictor and nasal volumes of 0-5 cm (Rho = −0.382), and average expiratory resistance evaluated before administration of vasoconstrictor and minimum cross-sectional areas 1 (Rho = −0.362). Conclusion There were correlations between acoustic rhinometry, computed rhinomanometry, and cone-beam computed tomography in mouth breathers with transverse maxillary deficiency.