Subclinical carotid artery stiffness in untreated OSAS is linked to symptoms and upper airway anatomical profiles.

Abstract

<bold>Aim:</bold> To assess carotid artery stiffness (CAS) and intima-media thickness (IMT) in patients with untreated obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) using ultrasound (Carotid Studio software) and examine linkage with OSAS-related symptoms and upper airway configuration. <bold>Methods:</bold> 45 patients with untreated OSAS diagnosed by full polysomnography and 45 asymptomatic controls (n=23 with body mass index (BMI) ≥30kg/m² and n=22 with BMI <30kg/m²) were included. CAS, carotid IMT, and upper airway parameters were assessed using ultrasound. <bold>Results:</bold> OSAS patients (age: 57±9 years, BMI: 44±6 kg/m², neck circumference: 46.2±4.3 cm) had an average apnoea-hypopnoea index of 35±16/h with significant daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness score (ESS): 16.0±2.5). CAS, tongue base thickness, and retro-lingual inspiratory diameter were greater in OSAS vs. asymptomatic controls regardless of their BMI (all p<0.001). However, carotid IMT was greater in OSAS than in non-obese controls (p<0.05). After adjusting for groups, age, and gender; both ESS and tongue base thickness (measured by ultrasound) explained 60% of the variance in carotid artery stiffness (<bold>Figure</bold>). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Carotid artery stiffness is greater in untreated patients with OSAS than in asymptomatic control subjects and can be predicted from OSAS-related symptoms and upper airway anatomical configuration. <fig><object-id>erjor;11/suppl_16/82/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>