ObjectiveTo observe the impact of obstructive sleep apnea-hyponea syndrome (OSAHS) on the severity of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and its treatment strategies. MethodsPTE patients hospitalized in our department between January 2006 and December 2012 were screened for this study, including 16 patients with OSAHS and 20 patients without OSAHS, and the difference in clinical characteristics such as arterial blood gas, apnea-hypopnea index, lowest pulse oxygen saturation (LSpO2) and treatment methods were analyzed and compared between the two groups. ResultsAs compared to PTE patients without OSAHS, the age of patients was lower[(53.4±12.1), (64.5±9.8) years; P=0.005], while body mass index[(29.3±2.2), (26.1±3.3) kg/m2, P=0.002] and smoking index (150±24, 101±18; P<0.001) were higher in PTE patients with OSAHS. Additionally, significantly lower LSpO2[(71.7±8.3), (79.4±7.1) mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa); P=0.005] and more lung segments (8±3, 5±2; P=0.001) were involved in PTE patients with OSAHS. In this cohort, all patients received anticoagulation and/or thrombolysis treatment, but the rate of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation application was significantly higher in PTE patients with OSAHS. ConclusionPTE patients with OSAHS have relatively lower age but serious condition, and both anticoagulation and CPAP should be used in the clinical treatment.