Abstract:

To explore the cardiac structure and left ventricular functional changes by color doppler ultrasonography in patients with obstructive sleep apneahypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods87 patients with severe OSAHS (OSAHS group) and 30 healthy controls (normal group) were assessed with a doppler ultrasound detector. The key indicators of cardiac structure, left ventricular diastolic function and left ventricular systolic function were compared. ResultsThe ultrasonic indicators, such as interventricular septum thickness, left ventricular posterior wall thickness, left ventricular mass and left ventricular mass index were statistically different between the two groups. The tissue doppler imaging showed different septal early diastolic peak velocity/peak late diastolic velocity (Em/Am), mitral annular Em/Am and left ventricular posterior wall Em between the two groups.  The interventricular septum, mitral annulus and left ventricular posterior wall peak systolic velocity were also significantly different between the two groups. ConclusionThe patients with severe OSAHS have significant changes in cardiac structure and decreased left ventricular diastolic function and systolic function.

Key words: Sleep apnea, obstructive, Ultrasonography, Cardiac structure, Ventricular function