Cerebral hemodynamic changes at basilar artery in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome after continuous positive airway pressure treatment.

Background: Cerebral vasoreactivity in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is altered. Continuous positive airway pressure is effective in the reduction of the occurrence of apneas. We studied whether this treatment also improves cerebral vasoreactivity.

Methods: The breath-holding maneuver was performed and assessed by apnea test with transcranial Doppler in the basilar artery. After 2 years of continuous positive airway pressure treatment, the test was repeated.

Results: There is an improvement in the apnea test after continuous positive airway pressure. There are increases in the pulsatility index, diastolic blood pressure, and basal heart rate. The improvement in the apnea test depends on the body mass index of the patient.

Conclusions: Cerebral vasoreactivity as measured by the apnea test improves after 2 years of continuous positive airway pressure. This improvement depends of the body mass index of the patient.