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Updated: Sep 13, 2025
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Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
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Association between obstructive sleep apnea and thoracic aortic diameter: a cross-sectional study in a clinical
David C Cistulli1, Benjamin K Tong2, Philip J Currie3
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to larger aortic diameters, particularly in women. However, shared risk factors like age and hypertension may explain this association, requiring further research into OSA and aortopathy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Aortic Disease
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly recognized for its systemic effects.
- Previous research suggests a potential link between OSA and aortic dilatation.
- Understanding this association is crucial for cardiovascular risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between OSA severity and thoracic aortic dimensions.
- To determine if OSA independently affects aortic root and ascending aorta diameters.
- To explore potential sex differences in the OSA-aortic dimension association.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1470 patients undergoing echocardiography and polysomnography was analyzed.
- Aortic root and ascending aorta diameters were measured and compared based on OSA severity (Apnea-Hypopnea Index).
- Multivariate analyses and case-control sensitivity analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- 90% of patients had OSA; both aortic root and ascending aorta diameters increased with OSA severity (p<0.01).
- Associations remained significant when indexed for height, but not body surface area.
- An independent association was noted in women but not men; however, a sensitivity analysis found no significant difference between mild and severe OSA.
Conclusions:
- This study, the largest of its kind, found increased aortic diameters with greater OSA severity.
- Shared risk factors like age, BMI, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation may confound the OSA-aortic dimension link.
- Further research is needed to clarify the complex relationship between OSA and aortopathy, especially regarding sex-specific effects.
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