A Case of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Associated with Primary Hypothyroidism and Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Yu, Sung Keun; Park, Ji Young; Pack, Jong Hae; Park, Hye Jung; Shin, Kyeong Cheol; Chung, Jin Hong; Lee, Kwan Ho

doi:2001.51.6.590

Tuberc Respir Dis > Volume 51(6); 2001 > Article

Case Report

Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2001;51(6):590-596.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2001.51.6.590 Published online December 1, 2001.

A Case of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Associated with Primary Hypothyroidism and Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Sung Keun Yu, Ji Young Park, Jong Hae Pack, Hye Jung Park, Kyeong Cheol Shin, Jin Hong Chung, Kwan Ho Lee

Abstract

The hallmarks of sleep apnea syndrome include daytime hypersomnolence, snoring, obesity, disturbed nocturnal sleep, and apneic episodes. Thyroid deficiency states are now a well recognized cause of sleep apnea. Central, obstructive, and mixed patterns of sleep apnea may be observed in hypothyroidism. A 33-yr-old man was admitted complaining of daytime hypersomnolence, snoring, sleep apnea and obesity. A polysomnogram showed obstructive pattern of sleep apnea syndrome. Physical examination and hormonal study revealed a narrowing of the upper airway and primary hypothyroidism. Dilated cardiomyopathy was diagnosed by echocardiogram. The poctients was treated for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with nasal continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP) for 2 months and the underlying hypothyroidism with thyroid hormone therapy. This successfully controlled the snoring, sleep apnea, and other apnea-related symptoms. Here, we describe our experience of nasal CPAP and thyroid hormone therapy in a patient with primary hypothyroidism associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and dilated cardimyopathy with review of the relevant literature.

Key Words: Obstructive sleep apnea, Hypothyroidism, CPAP, Cardiomyopathy