A Strong Clue on Chest Radiography for Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Aortic Arch Calcification

OpenAlex İngilizce

Aim: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Vascular calcification plays a pivotal role in the development of atherosclerosis. However, data regarding vascular calcification and MetS is insufficient. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between MetS and aortic arch calcification in patients with OSA.Material and Methods: Patients who underwent an overnight polysomnography and diagnosed with OSA were enrolled into the study. Patients were classified into two groups based on the presence of MetS. Two examiners who were unaware of the results of polysomnographic assessment reviewed the chest radiograms.Results: A total of 314 patients with OSA were included in the study. 33.1% of the patients were female and mean age was 51.2±10.9. Of these, 43.6% had mild OSA, 30.9% had moderate OSA, and 25.5% had severe OSA. Aortic arch calcification was detected in 56.4% (n=177) and MetS was detected in 58.6% (n=184) of the patients. Prevalence of aortic arch calcification was higher in patients with MetS than in those without MetS (p<0.001). By multiple logistic regression analysis found that body mass index (1.148, 95% CI, 1.089-1.210), apnea hypnea index (1.039, 95% CI, 1.016-1.062), and aortic arch calcification (4.986, 95% CI, 2.887-8.610) were found to be predictors of MetS.Conclusion: Aortic arch calcification seen in chest radiography is strongly associated with MetS in patients with OSA. Aortic arch calcification may be an alerting finding for clinicians regarding the development of MetS in patients with OSA.