Parapharyngeal angiolipoma causing obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is the cessation of airflow with the continuance of respiratory effort during sleep. OSAS associated with a neck mass is extremely rare. Angiolipoma is a rare, benign, fatty tumour composed of mature lipocytes and multiple areas containing angiomatous elements. The treatment for an angiolipoma is surgical excision. We report the case of a 47-year-old male who presented with a history of loud snoring associated with sleep apnoea. A polysomnographic study demonstrated an apnoea–hypopnoea index of 72/h. CT showed a 3.5×3×8 cm³ hypoattenuated mass of fat density in the left parapharyngeal space causing an impression on the nasopharynx and oropharynx with a peripheral hyperintense area. A cervical–transparotid surgical approach was used. A histological study led to the definitive diagnosis of angiolipoma without evidence of malignancy. After surgery, the snoring disappeared and the patient remained tumour-free after 54 months of follow-up. This is the first case in the literature of a patient with nocturnal polysomnographic-documented OSAS caused by a left parapharyngeal angiolipoma.

• angiolipoma
• benign tumour
• obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
• parapharyngeal space

Alobid I, Benítez P, Berenguer J, Bernal-Sprekelsen M, Mullol J. Parapharyngeal angiolipoma causing obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. Acta Otolaryngol 2004; 124: 210–212.

Alobid I, Benítez P, Berenguer J, Bernal-Sprekelsen M, Mullol J. Parapharyngeal angiolipoma causing obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. Acta Otolaryngol 2004; 124: 210–212.