1Department of Cardiology, Istanbul Saglik Bilimleri University Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Turkey
2Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Istanbul Saglik Bilimleri University Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Turkey
3Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul Saglik Bilimleri University Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Turkey
4Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Uskudar University, Turkey
5Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital, Turkey
6Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Turkey
*Corresponding author: Helen Bornaun, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Istanbul Saglik Bilimleri University Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Turkey
Submission: February 09, 2023;Published: February 20, 2023
ISSN: 2637-7780Volume3 Issue2
Objective: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is known to be associated with cardiovascular
disorders such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmia. However, only a few studies
have examined its role in aortic dilatation. We aimed to determine the relationship between obstructive
sleep apnea syndrome and aortic diameter.
Methods: 53 patients (42 males, 11 females) being of age between 20 and 80 years, who presented to
the chest diseases outpatient clinic with symptoms compatible with sleep apnea syndrome included this
study. Berlin Sleep Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were used to determine the OSAS risk.
Following risk assessment, polysomnography test was performed to confirm OSAS. Apnea-Hypopnea
Index (AHI)<5 was considered normal and AHI≥5 was considered to be consistent with OSAS. They were
informed about OSAS and its adverse effects on cardiovascular system. Transthoracic echocardiography
was used as a noninvasive diagnostic tool to quantify proximal aorta diameter in order to detect aortic
dilatation.
Results: 40 people were diagnosed with OSAS by polysomnography. 13 subjects did not have OSAS.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) group had significantly greater sinotubular junction and
ascending aorta diameters (p<0.05). Sinus valsalva dilatation was more common among the OSAS group,
although this difference did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusion: A positive correlation was found between Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) and aortic
dilatation. Early diagnosis and effective treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is important to prevent
aortic complications.
Keywords:Sleep apnea; Aortic dilatation; Proximal aortic diameter