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.