| Cheyne-Stokes respiration is a characteristic respiratory pattern that consists of alternating cycles of apnoea followed by a gradual increase in respiratory frequency, arriving even to the stage of hyperpnoea, that diminish again gradually to apnoea and the initiation of a new cycle.
The physiopathological mechanism that causes it is a delay in the detection of carbon dioxide levels, PaCO2, by the chemoreceptors of the CNS located in the cerebral trunk.
It is a clinical sign, although non-specific, found very frequently in daily practice that is worthwhile recalling. It can be produced in cerebral disease as with cerebro-vascular accidents, different types of metabolic coma, alterations of the acid-base equilibrium, pharmacological sedation and, very frequently, in cardiac insufficiency.
In the case presented it was due to a cerebral seizure and was transitory, disappearing with improvement of the patient and his level of conscience.
Author:
Juan Ignacio Pérez Calvo
Servicio de Medicina
Interna
Hospital Clínico Universitario "Lozano
Blesa"
Zaragoza
Translation: Kelly
Watt |
