The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamic changes of the tongue in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) during sleep and while awake by using Ultrafast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (UMRI)

UMRI was undertaken on the upper airway in 21 OSAHS patients and 20 normal people after being deprived of sleep for one night. A series of midline sagittal images of the upper airway were obtained. The dynamic alterations of the tongue size and the distance from the tongue to X axis (an extended line from the anterior nasal spine to posterior nasal spine) and Y axis (a perpendicular line from the center of the pituitary to the X axis) were measured.Statistical comparisons between pairs of means were performed via t-tests using Spss10 software. A probability level of p<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. patients who are male
2. patients were diagnosed as OSAHS
3. patients underwent a thorough history (including the Epworth somnolence questionnaire) and physical examination
4. patients did not undergo any treatment
5. each subject gave written informed consent before entering the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. patients didn't sign written informed consent
2. Any situation or condition that will interfere with adherence to study activities

Subjects are recruited prospectively from the Tenth Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University of Shanghai,with varying degrees of symptoms of OSAHS (daytime sleepiness, snoring and/or nocturnal apneas).