WORSENING CENTRAL SLEEP APNEA: A SOLE DIAGNOSTIC MARKER OF A BRAIN TUMOR IN A CHILD.

Abstract Introduction Central sleep apnea (CSA) in children is a relatively uncommon and under-studied sleep disorder. A small subset of patients may have intracranial anomalies, but clinical presentation varies. We present a case of malignant intracranial tumor diagnosed primarily due to the unusual presentation and progression of CSA. Report of Cases: The presented patient is a 12-year-old developmentally appropriate female with a history of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) status post adenotonsillectomy at two years of age who presented with snoring without witnessed apnea, sleep interruptions, and unrefreshing sleep. Other sleep-related history was unremarkable. No daytime sleepiness or behavioral or learning concerns were noted. Physical examination was unremarkable with normal growth parameters. Initial diagnostic PSG demonstrated severe OSA with an obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) of 16/h and mild CSA (CAI:6.7/h); therefore, PAP therapy was pursued after ruling out adenoid regrowth. However, during the first PAP titration study(incomplete study due to mask intolerance), treatment-emergent central apneas were noted (OAHI: 9.8/h; CAI:25.8/h), which were noted even during the second titration study (OAHI:2.7/h; CAI:59.2/h). Even though ordered earlier, the brain MRI was not performed until after the repeat PSG one year later showed persistence of severe CSA (OAHI of 4.5/h and CAHI of 39.5/h) after much persuasion. Interestingly, snoring had reportedly improved with no daytime symptoms or neurologic complaints. The brain MRI demonstrated compressing brainstem lesion highly suspicious for glioma. The patient was emergently sent to neurosurgical care and had chosen hospice care after a few weeks. Conclusion CSA can be an early or the only finding in patients with brainstem tumors, even before neurologic signs and symptoms. The PSG findings changed from mild CSA to treatment-emergent CSA to severe CSA, possibly with the progression of underlying disease. Close follow-up and ensuring patient compliance are essential in CSA patients. CSA severity should prompt MRI brain even with an intact neurological examination. More research is needed to fully understand the link between cerebral disease and polysomnographic data. This could aid in early diagnosis and treatment. Support (If Any) no conflicting or financial interests to disclose