Sleep apnea, hypersomnolence, and upper airway obstruction secondary to adenotonsillar enlargement
D. Mangat, W. C. Orr and R. O. Smith
The authors examined four children with substantial adenotonsillar
enlargement that caused intermittent severe upper airway obstructive
episodes, documented by all-night polygraphic monitoring of sleep and
respirations. Previously unreported complications of severe adenotonsillar
enlargement that were demonstrated included prolonged obstructive apneic
episodes and disturbed sleep patterns. The children also exhibited daytime
hypersomnolence. Polygraphic sleep studies after adenotonsillectomy
confirmed improved sleep patterns and relief of the obstructive episodes.
None of our patienqs had developed pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale,
or other reported complications of prolonged upper airway obstruction, all
of which may have been averted by early diagnosis and treatment.
