Acquired central hypoventilation: A relatively rare complication following coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract

A posterior circulation stroke acquired Ondine's curse occurs following medullary infarction. Central alveolar hypoventilation, a sine qua non of this stroke, is characterized by unpredictable episodes of sleep apnea that is associated with a high mortality rate. Postcoronary artery bypass grafting, a 64-year-old male developed embolic medullary infarct leading to recurrent episodes of apnea. This was managed with tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation. Intensive respiratory monitoring is of the essence during the acute and subacute stages in these patients.