Postoperative macroglossia causing airway obstruction.
Macroglossia can cause a wide spectrum of problems in the pediatric population. Airway obstruction is the most severe of the sequelae and must be handled promptly. Typically, congenital macroglossia does not present with sudden airway obstruction, however, traumatic or postoperative macroglossia can. Iatrogenic postoperative macroglossia is presented and mechanisms of injury discussed. Preventative and therapeutic measures are outlined.
D000130:Achondroplasia / Q000150:complications; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology*; D005539:Foramen Magnum / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008260:Macroglossia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery