Obstructive sleep apnea-induced supraventricular tachycardia

Obstructive sleep apnea has been associated with various cardiac arrhythmias; however, supraventricular tachycardia has not been reported to occur in this disorder. This case report describes a patient who developed episodes of supraventricular tachycardia during periods of apnea and oxygen desaturation. With the initiation of nasal continuous positive airway pressure during sleep, the arrhythmia was abolished. The etiology and possible mechanisms responsible for the supraventricular tachycardia are discussed.