MACROGLOSSIA 

 

Macroglossia is a resting tongue that protrudes beyond the teeth or alveolar ridge. This is best detected in a midsagittal view as the tongue can be delineated from its origin to its tip. To make the diagnosis, the tongue should remain outside the mouth regardless of swallowing movements of the lips.

 

Macroglossia may interfere with fluid flow in the oral cavity resulting in increased fluid flow through the nasal cavity.

 

Down Syndrome:

1.      Macroglossia.

2.      Large amount of nasal fluid flow due to obstruction of oral fluid flow by large tongue.

3.      Absent nasal bone

 


 

ASSOCIATED SYNDROMES
  1. Athyrotic hypothyroidism sequence.
  2. Beckwith-Weidermann syndrome.
  3. Hunter and Hurlers syndrome.
  4. X-linked a-Thalassemia/ Mental retardation syndrome.
  5. Down syndrome (occasionally).
  6. Triploidy (occasionally).
  7. Idiopathic muscular hypertrophy.

 

 

MICROGLOSSIA 

 

Microglossia - more subjective diagnosis

  1. Oromandibular-Limb hypogenesis spectrum.
  2. Distal arthrogryposis syndrome type II.
  3. Moebius sequence.
  4. Short rib-polydactyly syndrome type II.
  5. Nager syndrome.