Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Feasibility of Concurrent Evaluation of Neurometabolic Rate and Upper Airway Architecture During Sleep in the Scanner

Motivation: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder predisposing patients to heart disease, stroke, and cognitive dysfunction. Goal(s): To gain insights into the association between brain metabolism and changes in upper airway architecture during spontaneous apneas during sleep in the scanner. Approach: A time-resolved pulse sequence was designed that yields neurometabolic parameters and airway anatomy at 6-second temporal resolution, along with EEG monitoring during a 90-minute scan. Results: Data demonstrate associations between transient airway architectural changes and brain vascular-metabolic alterations, notably a steep drop in cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) during sleep and following apneic events, providing new insight into the disorder. Impact: Understanding the acute structural and neurometabolic consequences of apneic events in obstructive sleep apnea will provide new insight into the disease and provide a method to evaluate the response to treatment.