Obstruktives Schlafapnoesyndrom durch eine berufliche Lösungsmittelexposition

History and admission findings A 52-year-old man working in a chemical laboratory was referred with the possible diagnosis of toxic encephalopathy. For 17 years he had been exposed to high concentrations of perchlorethylene and n-butanol vapours which every day had caused acute symptoms of organic solvent intoxication. Current complaints were autonomic nervous system symptoms, loss of concentration and memory, and fatigue in the second half of the day. The patient was obese but in good general condition. Investigations Neuropsychiatric examination confirmed the reported loss of concentration and planning ability at work. The polysomnogram indicated an increased number of largely obstructive…