Nasopharyngeal dimensions in normal individuals: normative data

ABSTRACT

Objective

To establish normative values of minimum cross-sectional nasopharyngeal area in individuals without craniofacial anomalies at different age ranges.

Material and Method

Ninety-six individuals of both genders, without craniofacial anomalies, and with normal body mass index and neck circumference were evaluated. Participants were divided into 4 age groups: children, aged 6 to 10 years (G1); adolescents, aged 11 to 17 years (G2); young adults, 18 to 39 years (G3), and middle-aged adults, 40 to 59 years (G4). Minimum cross-sectional nasopharyngeal area (nasopharyngeal area – NPA) was assessed by means of modified anterior rhinomanometry (pressure-flow technique) using a PERCI-SARS system (version 3.50 – Microtronics Corp.).

Results

Mean±SD values of NPA were 1.025±0.054cm², 1.055±0.081cm², 1.050±0.083cm², and 1.054±0.081cm², respectively for groups G1, G2, G3, and G4, showing that there were no differences between the four age groups.

Conclusion

Normative data of NPA were established for individuals without craniofacial anomalies from different age ranges, and they may be used as reference values in the clinical routine and for future studies regarding nasopharyngeal obstruction diagnosis, particularly in cases of craniofacial anomalies.

Keywords:
Nasopharynx; Respiration; Rhinomanometry; Cleft Palate; Reference Values