Atrial flutter associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. A case report.

An obese 57-year-old man with the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome had partial tracheostomy occlusion and palpitations. Continuous ECG monitoring demonstrated atrial flutter, occasional premature ventricular beats, and a high degree of atrioventricular block during apneic episodes. A 7-s period of ventricular asystole was demonstrated during one such episode. Revision of the tracheostomy produced an improvement in the patient's condition.