Hypertrophy of the Lingual Tonsils and pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: An assocciation to consider

Abstract

Lingual tonsils are part of Waldeyer's Ring. The hypertrophy of the lingual tonsils is generally due to hiperplasia, without symptoms. The etiology is not clear, but it is a known cause of residual Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), after adenotonsilectomy. Their identification during the physical exam results dificult, so the suspicious and the nasofibroscopy are relevant. Acording to the particular patient it is posible realize additional exams, like polisomnography and magnetic nuclear resonance. Surgery is succesful for this cases. The complications include: bleeding, airway obstruction, anestesia dificulties and pain. Currently there is not a particular techniqe of choice. OSA is associated to morbidity, therefore it is fundamental to diagnose this patholo- gy, because it is posible to treat it through surgery.