Episodic macroglossia in Down's syndrome.
We report a unique case of recurrent gross enlargement of the tongue associated with lymphangiectasia and tongue protrusion in an adult male with Down's syndrome. There were three episodes of acute macroglossia with no clinically identifiable cause. Spontaneous resolution always occurred after five to six days. Histological examination of the tongue, at post mortem, revealed a primary lesion of the lingual lymphatics. The possible mechanisms of acute macroglossia and the surgical techniques which could have been used to reduce the tongue bulk are discussed.
Padgham
N D
ND
Department of Otolaryngology, Ninewells Teaching Hospital, Dundee.
Bingham
B J
BJ
Purdue
B N
BN
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D008260:Macroglossia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D014059:Tongue / Q000473:pathology