Abstract
Introduction
Positive airway pressure-induced upper airway obstruction has been reported with the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) along with an oronasal interface. Here we describe a case of persistent treatment emergent central sleep apnea (TECSA) inadequately treated with adaptive servo ventilation (ASV), with an airflow pattern suggestive of ASV-induced upper airway obstruction.
Report of Case
A 32-year-old male, with severe OSA (apnea hypopnea index: 52.4) and no other significant past medical history, was treated with CPAP and required higher pressures during titration sleep studies to alleviate obstructive events, despite a Mallampati Class II airway and a normal body mass index. Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) showed a complete velopharynx and oropharynx anterior posterior (AP) collapse, long soft palate, which improved with neck extension. CPAP therapy, however, did not result in any symptomatic benefit and compliance reports revealed high residual AHI and persistent TECSA. He underwent an ASV titration sleep study up to a final setting of expiratory positive airway pressure 9 cm H2O, pressure support 6-15 cm H2O (auto-rate), with a full-face mask due to high oral leak associated with the nasal interface. The ASV device detected central apneas and provided mandatory breaths, but did not capture the thorax or abdomen, despite normal mask pressure tracings. Several such apneas occurred, with significant oxyhemoglobin desaturation.
Conclusion
We postulate that the ASV failure to correct central sleep apnea as evidenced by the absence of thoracoabdominal inspiratory effort, occurred due to ASV-induced upper airway obstruction. Further treatment options for this ASV phenomenon are to pursue an ASV-assisted DISE and determine the effectiveness of adjunctive therapy including neck extension, nasal mask with a mouth closing device and a mandibular assist device.
Treatment-emergent central sleep apnea associated with non-positive airway pressure therapies in obstructive sleep apnea patients: a systematic review
