Obstructive sleep apnea secondary to cervical spine chordoma

Abstract

We present a rare case of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to chordoma involving cervical spine with confirmative histopathological diagnosis following the suggestive findings of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The patient underwent en bloc removal of the tumour involving the vertebral body of C4 with preservation of the nerve roots and vertebral arteries involved, associated with postoperative radiation therapy. Clinicians should be aware that this is a very rare secondary cause of OSA caused by chordoma involving the spine and imaging of the cervical spine may be necessary to avoid incorrect treatment approaches such as CPAP or BiPAP machine in such cases. Keywords: Chordoma, Radiotherapy, Surgery, Tumour