Sleep apnea following bilateral excision of carotid body tumors

A patient is described who developed apnea, hypertention, and tachycardia following the excision of bilateral carotid body tumors. Hypertension and tachycardia resulted, most probably, from bilateral ablation of the carotid sinus and/or the nerve of Hering. These phenomena have been described in the literature. The pathogenesis of the apneic attacks may be related to the ablation of the peripheral sensory organs (both carotid bodies), interference with the function of the respiratory automatic control system, and impaired control of ventilation during non-REM sleep. Temporary unilateral paralysis of the hypoglossal nerve with partial airway obstruction possibly represented a mechanical trigger. The apneic attacks subsided but bouts of hypertention and tachycardia persist.