Quiz Form

Question Date: 15/02/2024

Question: The figure below shows a 120-second segment from an overnight polysomnogram. Which of the following is demonstrated in the picture?

Options:

• Mixed apnea
• Obstructive apnea
• Central apnea
• Paradoxical breathing

Correct Answer: Obstructive apnea

View Image: Image_2024013012041865b8e5c2ee247.jpg

Explaination: This demonstrates obstructive sleep apnea. In the oronasal channel, flow of air stops four different times (indicated by the flat line). During this same time the thorax and abdominal channels have continued effort. A central apnea occurs when there is no airflow and nothoracic or abdominal effort. A mixed apnea starts initially with no flow and no effort, but near the end effort begins without any airflow. Cheyne-Stokes breathing involves bursts of progressively faster and deeper breaths with a gradual decrease and stop of respiration. This is a type of central apnea. Paradoxical breathing occurs when airflow is positive with positive thoracic effort and negative abdominal effort. This implies inspiration is caused by thoracic muscles rather than diaphragmatic excursion

Reference: ( Bradleys NiCP, 7th edn, Ch. 102, pp. 16151685).