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Sleep apnea following percutaneous cervical cordotomy
B I Tranmer1, W S Tucker, J M Bilbao
1Department of Pathology, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Canada.
Summary
Percutaneous cervical cordotomy can lead to sleep apnea (Ondine's Curse), a rare but fatal complication. This study reviews 6 deaths from sleep apnea after the procedure, highlighting risks associated with bilateral cordotomy.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Pulmonology
- Pathology
Background:
- Percutaneous cervical cordotomy is a neurosurgical procedure.
- Sleep apnea (Ondine's Curse) is a known, albeit uncommon, complication.
- The study investigates the mortality associated with this complication.
Observation:
- Six of 112 patients (5%) died from sleep apnea following cervical percutaneous cordotomy.
- Five deaths (16%) occurred after bilateral cordotomy.
- One death (1%) occurred after unilateral cordotomy in a patient with pulmonary disease.
Findings:
- Detailed clinical data from the 6 deceased patients are presented.
- Unique spinal cord pathology associated with the deaths is described.
- The pathophysiology of sleep apnea syndrome post-cordotomy is discussed.
Implications:
- Highlights the potentially fatal risk of sleep apnea following cervical cordotomy.
- Suggests increased vigilance and potential modifications for bilateral cordotomy procedures.
- Underscores the importance of understanding spinal cord pathology in managing post-operative complications.