Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-lj6df Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-10T21:07:47.975Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Self-inflicted traumatic macroglossia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Aijaz Alvi  and
Philip A. Theodoropoulos
Aijaz Alvi*
Affiliation:
Division of Otolaryngology, Mount Sinai Hospital Medical Center, Chicago Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Philip A. Theodoropoulos
Affiliation:
Division of Otolaryngology, Mount Sinai Hospital Medical Center, Chicago Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Aijaz Alvi, M.D., Division of Otolaryngology, Mount Sinai Hospital Medical Center, Chicago Medical School, California and 15th Streets, Chicago, Illinois 60608, USA. Fax: 312-257-6662
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Macroglossia is a potentially life-threatening problem. The multiple aetiologies responsible for this condition include cysts, tumours, amyloidosis, angioedema, and infections. Although injuries to the oral cavity are common, self-inflicted traumatic macroglossia is not common. We report a case of a comatose patient with limb contractures and severe trismus who developed entrapment of the tongue with progressive macroglossia and near auto-amputation of the tongue. The importance of early recognition and treatment of tongue entrapment in comatose patients is emphasised since this is a potentially reversible condition.

Keywords

MacroglossiaAirway obstructionTrismus
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 111 , Issue 1 , January 1997 , pp. 75 - 76
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1997

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Dolan, E. A., Riski, J. E., Mason, R. M. (1989) Macroglossia: clinical considerations. International Journal of Orofacial Myology 15: 4–10.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Riter, F. M., Schecter, G. L., Richardson, M. A. (1958) Macroglossia: etiologic considerations and management techniques. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology 8: 225–236.Google Scholar
Saah, D., Braverman, I., Elidan, J., Nageris, B. (1993) Traumatic macroglossia. Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology 102: 729–743.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Smeets, I. G., Engelberts, I. (1995) The use of leeches in a case of post-operative life-threatening macroglossia. Journal of Laryngology and Otology 109: 442–446.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Vogel, J. E., Mulliken, J. B., Kaban, L. B. (1986) Macroglossia: a review of the condition and a new classification. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 78: 715–720.Google Scholar