Ankyloglossum Superius Syndrome compromising a neonatal airway: Considerations in congenital oral airway obstructions. (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ohlstein, Jason F.; Padilla, Pablo L.; Garza, Rachel K.; Masel, Brian D.; Abouleish, Amr; Pine, Harold S.; Szeremeta, Wasyl
• Is Part Of: International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology. Volume 117(2019:Feb.)
• Page Start: 167
• Page End: 170
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: Tongue tie -- Neonatal airway management -- Ankyloglossum Superius Syndrome -- Congenital oral anomalies; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Oto-rhino-laryngologie -- Périodiques; Pédiatrie -- Périodiques; 618.9209751
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2018.11.036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-5876

Abstract

Abstract: We report the case of a 37-week old newborn presenting on day 1 of life with an apparent congenital fusion of the tongue to the hard palate, consistent with Ankyloglossum Superius syndrome. Physical exam along with endoscopy showed apparent fusion of the floor of the mouth to the anterior hard palate displacing the tongue into the nasal cavity and obstructing the oral airway. The child was nasotracheally intubated and brought to the operating room for lysis of the fusion under binocular microscopy. We review the literature on this rare condition and provide an algorithm for evaluating the neonatal airway in the setting of congenital oral abnormalities.