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.