Micrognathia, obstructive sleep apnoea and cor pulmonale--a case for tracheostomy.

Abstract

A patient with congenital micrognathia, hypersomnia and severe pulmonary hypertension which resulted in sudden death during sleep is described. Hypersomnolence is a well-recognized manifestation of the pickwickian syndrome. A less recognized but similar disorder may affect patients with congenital or acquired micrognathia. The pathogenesis of this syndrome and obstructive sleep apnoea are reviewed. Tracheostomy timeously performed may be life-saving and the value of early resort to this apparently drastic procedure in a high-risk patient is emphasized.

• Authors: M I Khan
• Journal: South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde (S Afr Med J) Vol. 67 Issue 3 Pg. 99-100 (Jan 19 1985) ISSN: 0256-9574 [Print] South Africa
• PMID: 3966202 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Female
• Humans
• Micrognathism (complications)
• Pulmonary Heart Disease (etiology)
• Sleep Apnea Syndromes (etiology, prevention & control)
• Tracheotomy