Abstract

22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q) is the most common genetic cause for velopharyngeal dysfunction. Several velopharyngeal muscles in children with 22q have been shown to be hypoplastic, but no studies to date have examined the musculus uvulae in children with 22q. This study aimed to investigate the presence and characteristics of the musculus uvulae in children with 22q using3D modeling software MRI scans of 13 children (8 with 22q and 5 control participants) were used to measure the musculus uvulae using Amira 6 visualization modeling software. The muscle was segmented by selecting voxels displaying the musculus uvulae on successive oblique coronal slices and combining those voxels into a surface model. The muscle volume, length, diameter, vertical length, and horizontal width were measured from the surface model of the musculus uvulae. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare differences between the two groups. Results revealed the musculus uvulae to be significantly hypoplastic, shorter, and thinner in the group with 22q.The velum was also found to be thinner in the 22q group. Further investigations should be conducted using larger sample sizes to confirm these preliminary results.

Thesis Completion

2021

Semester

Fall

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Kollara Sunil, Lakshmi

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Health Professions and Sciences

Department

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

6-1-2022

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