Respiratory obstruction secondary to lingual tonsil hypertrophy: a clinical report

Abstract

The lingual tonsil is a normal structure that only occasionally produces respiratory symptoms. In the paedriatric literature there are few reports referring to this subject. The articles objective was to review the clinical and laboratory presentation of patients with lingual tonsil hypertrophy. A retrospective study, using case notes, of 5 cases with a flexible bronchoscopy confirmed diagnosis of lingual tonsil hypertrophy was carried out. Past medical history, symptoms, x-ray and lung function studies were analyzed. The age range was 8-14 years. In 2 cases the symptomology presented as recurrent laryngitis at an unusual age (8 and 13 years). One was described as an asthmatic with an inspiratory obstructive component and 2 others had abnormal spirometric findings in their studies for asthma. All patients had an abnormal flow/volume curve suggesting upper airway obstruction. 3 cases had normal x-rays (lateral neck and chest). In 2 cases surgery was indicated but only 1 performed, the other 3 were followed up because they had few symptoms. In summary lingual tonsil is not a common pathology but should be considered in cases of inspiratory obstruction at an unusual age or if the flow/volume curve shows a decreased inspiratory loop.