Relations between sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome and cerebral artery stenosis

Abstract

Objective To explore the possible correlation of the sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) with cerebral artery stenosis. Methods Fifty-three patients who were proved to suffer from cerebral artery stenosis by digital subtraction angiography were enrolled. These patients were divided into two groups according to the position of cerebral artery stenosis. All the patients underwent a polysomnography and correlative parameters were compared. Results There were 30 patients suffering from SAHS in 53 patients (56.6%). In general, there were more patients suffering from SAHS, especially obstructive and central sleep apnea, in group Ⅱ (cerebral artery stenosis of vertebral artery system) than group Ⅰ(cerebral artery stenosis of carotid artery system). Conclusions There is high incidence of SAHS in patients with cerebral artery stenosis, so more importance should be attached to the correlation of the SAHS with cerebral artery stenosis. The patients with cerebral artery stenosis of vertebral artery system may tend to suffer from SAHS,especially obstructive and central sleep apnea,more possibly. Key words: Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome; Cerebral artery stenosis; Polysomnogram; Digital subtraction angiography