1226 A Case of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Induced Cheyne-Stoke Central Sleep Apnea

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with positive airway pressure (PAP), mandibular advancement devices (MAD) and oral surgery have been reported to lead to emergent central sleep apnea (CSA). In this case report the emergence of CSA in a Cheyne-Stokes pattern following the use of hypoglossal nerve stimulator as a treatment modality for OSA is discussed. Report of Case A 70-year-old man with a history of hypothyroidism and severe OSA diagnosed via a home sleep apnea test with a respiratory event index (REI) of 38 events/ hr was intolerant of PAP therapy and an MAD did not effectively treat his OSA. He was deemed an appropriate candidate for hypoglossal nerve stimulation following a drug induced sleep endoscopy. Following implantation and activation, he developed a lip droop and was ruled out for a stroke. A polysomnogram was completed which showed significant improvement in his sleep apnea at a voltage range of 1.4-17V. At 1.8V he developed REM- supine central events. When the voltage was further increased to 1.9-2.0V non-REM supine central events arose. These events appeared to have Cheyne-Stoke morphology with a cycle duration of over 50s. He was set to an amplitude of 1.6 V with a positional belt for treatment of his OSA without any emergent CSA. Conclusion This patient developed central sleep apneas with Cheyne-Stoke morphology following treatment of obstructive sleep apnea using a hypoglossal nerve stimulator. The central events began at higher voltage settings (greater than 1.8V). He had no history of heart failure or arrhythmias. This higher voltage may lead to overshoot of the tongue out of the airway resulting in hyperpnea, hypocapnia and central apnea but the underlying pathophysiology for the Cheyne-Stoke pattern in the absence of heart failure remains unknown.