Sleep apnea in amyloidosis.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs in patients with narrowing of the pharyngeal airway due to a variety of pathologic conditions. We documented obstructive and mixed sleep apnea in a patient with narrowing of the airway caused by macroglossia associated with amyloidosis. Tracheostomy relieved the symptoms of OSA (hypersomnolence, confusion upon awakening, and hyperkinesis during sleep) despite the emergence of striking central sleep apnea following the procedure.