Relief from sleep apnea after radiation and chemotherapy

Clin Lung Cancer. 2007 Sep;8(8):502-3. doi: 10.3816/CLC.2007.n.036.

Abstract

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) can result from extrinsic compression by a primary tumor, mediastinal lymph nodes metastases, benign lesions, or intraluminal thrombosis. The association between obstructive sleep apnea and SVCS has not been extensively evaluated. To our knowledge, only 5 cases of obstructive sleep apnea in SVCS have been reported in the literature. We presented a 53-year-old man who was admitted with dyspnea, edema of the face, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Chest radiography and computed tomography revealed lung cancer. A biopsy of the tumor revealed squamous cell carcinoma. Obstructive sleep apnea was diagnosed by polysomnography (apnea hypopnea index: 13 per hour). After radiation and chemotherapy, edema of the face, snoring, and daytime sleepiness were alleviated, and the patient's apnea hypopnea index decreased to 0.6 per hour. In conclusion, there is a relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and SVCS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications*
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polysomnography
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / etiology*
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / therapy
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / complications*
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / etiology
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents