Increased daytime sleepiness and snoring--obstructive sleep apnea syndrome caused by webbing of the soft palate

Abstract

A case report is presented of a man with increased daytime sleepiness and snoring due to an obstructive sleep apnea syndrome caused by webbing of the soft palate narrowing the velopharyngeal aperture. The diagnosis obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was confirmed by polysomnography. After uvulopalatopharyngoplasty there was a marked objective and subjective improvement of patient's complaints. The authors stress the importance of sleep monitoring in patients with excessive daytime sleepiness and snoring. Otorhinolaryngologic examination is necessary in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome to search for anatomic abnormalities of the oropharynx.