Daytime Hypoxemia, Sleep-Disordered Breathing, and Laryngopharyngeal Findings in Multiple System Atrophy

Abstract

We observed daytime hypoxemia with an increased alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, and novel abnormal laryngopharyngeal movements in patients with MSA. We also found that laryngoscopy under anesthesia might be useful for evaluating upper airway obstruction. The significance of these findings to the mechanism of sudden death in those with MSA needs to be examined.