Cheyne-Stokes respiration
Pronunciation: CHAIN-stohks
Also written as: CSR — Cheyne-Stokes Respiration
An abnormal breathing pattern characterized by crescendo-decrescendo cycles followed by apneas.
Full Definition
Cheyne-Stokes respiration is a distinctive breathing pattern consisting of gradual increase in breathing depth and rate (crescendo phase), followed by gradual decrease (decrescendo phase), ending in a period of apnea before the cycle repeats. This pattern typically occurs in patients with heart failure, stroke, or other conditions affecting the respiratory control centers. During sleep studies, Cheyne-Stokes respiration is often associated with central sleep apnea and can significantly fragment sleep architecture. The cycle length is typically 45-90 seconds and reflects altered chemoreceptor sensitivity.
Usage
Usage note: Often hyphenated; capitalize both eponyms.
In Context
- "The patient exhibited classic Cheyne-Stokes respiration pattern during NREM sleep stages." — Sleep study interpretation
- "Cheyne-Stokes respiration in this heart failure patient correlated with frequent arousals." — Medical report