Unresolved drooling in a previously healthy child caused by a brainstem malignancy.
Drooling occurs commonly in children below the age of two. In a small group of children this persists and an otorhinolaryngology consultation is sought. In children with no neurological abnormality or comorbidity, reassurance and behavioural management is often suggested. We present a case where drooling was the presenting feature of brain stem malignancy. Diagnosis was suggested following a sleep study demonstrating central apnoeas. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an intra-axial brainstem tumour. This case highlights the importance of multidisciplinary team (MDT) management of children with persistent drooling of unknown cause.
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Rd, Southampton, SO16 6YD, England, UK. Electronic address: Fenella.shelton@doctors.org.uk.
Fenella
F
Shelton
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Rd, Southampton, SO16 6YD, England, UK.
Eleanor
E
Sproson
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Rd, Southampton, SO16 6YD, England, UK.
Jana
J
Van der Veen
Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Rd, Southampton, SO16 6YD, England, UK.
Hazel
H
Evans
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Rd, Southampton, SO16 6YD, England, UK.
Andrea
A
Burgess
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Rd, Southampton, SO16 6YD, England, UK.
Hasnaa
H
Ismail-Koch
D020295:Brain Stem Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D012798:Sialorrhea / Q000209:etiology*
Adenoidectomy; Brainstem malignancy; Drooling