Indian Journal of Sleep Medicine

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VOLUME 20 , ISSUE 1 ( January-March, 2025 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

A Rare Case of Secondary Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Vicky S Khattar, Ketaki V Utpat, Unnati Desai, Bachi T Hathiram

Keywords : Case report, Obstructive sleep apnea, Polysomnography, Tracheal stenosis

Citation Information : Khattar VS, Utpat KV, Desai U, Hathiram BT. A Rare Case of Secondary Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. Indian Sleep Med 2025; 20 (1):30-31.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10069-0147

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 15-01-2025

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).


Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that is frequently encountered by pulmonary specialists both in children and adults due to the strong correlation with various factors, such as obesity, COPD, and craniofacial abnormality. A decrease in tone in the upper airway muscles during sleep and anatomic abnormalities like narrowing of the upper airway can lead to OSA. The upper airway abnormalities whether congenital or acquired can increase the risk of OSA. Though common surgical cases in otorhinolaryngologist clinics, such cases are rare in a pulmonologist practice. We hereby report a rare case of tracheal stenosis status post-cricotracheal resection anastomosis with delayed surgical site web formation resulting in secondary OSAS. A 36-year-old man with a history of Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) had received prolonged mechanical ventilation due to GBS disease complications and developed tracheal stenosis. It was managed with partial cricotracheal resection anastomosis. Later after 5 years of correction surgery, he presented with snoring and dyspnea on exertion. He had gained weight and his surgical site showed a web formation. Both factors narrowed the previously patent upper airway. Polysomnography demonstrated mild OSA. The patient was kept under observation and managed conservatively. A high clinical index of suspicion and awareness of the existence of delayed post-surgical sequelae in surgeries involving the trachea is essential for the diagnosis.


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