Consider obstructive sleep apnea in patients with oropharyngeal vascular malformations

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with oropharyngeal vascular malformations with complaints of upper airway obstruction were referred to a sleep specialist to investigate the existence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods: Demography, complaints, localization, and extent of the malformation were noted. The Epworth Sleeping Scale (ESS) and a polysomnography were performed to analyze the existence of OSA.

Results: Thirteen patients with vascular malformations in the upper oropharyngeal tract were referred, with a mean age of 49 years (range, 20-77 years). The male: female ratio was 7:6. In 2 patients the ESS was missed, and in the other 11 patients the mean ESS was 11.7 (range, 4-23). After polysomnography, 11 of the 13 patients (85%) were diagnosed with OSA, of whom 7 patients had severe OSA.

Conclusion: Patients with oropharyngeal vascular malformations with complaints of upper airway obstruction have a high risk of OSA, and should be referred to a sleep specialist.

Keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); Oropharyngeal malformations; Vascular malformation; Venous malformation.