Macroglossia Associated with Brainstem Injury Article

Full Text via DOI: 10.1007/s12028-013-9901-7 PMID: 24002892 Web of Science: 000331639400015

Cited authors

  • Iwuchukwu, Ifeanyi; Ardelt, Agnieszka; Cueva, Wilson; Reshi, Rwoof; Goldenberg, Fernando; Frank, Jeffrey

Abstract

  • Macroglossia has been reported in patients undergoing posterior fossa neurosurgical procedures and is thought to be as a result of venous engorgement from intubation or mechanical positioning during these prolonged procedures.; We report three patients who developed macroglossia and dysautonomia of central neurogenic origin following brainstem injury.; The three patients developed macroglossia and dysautonomia with wide hemodynamic fluctuations in the setting of posterior fossa injury of the lower brainstem structures, necessitating tracheostomy placement. Macroglossia was managed with dexamethasone and there was complete resolution of dysautonomia while treated with beta-blockers and gabapentin.; Neurointensivists should be aware of macroglossia with dysautonomia complicating brainstem injury, which may have perilous consequences in the setting of cerebral edema or intracranial hypertension.

Publication date

  • 2014

Published in

Category

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1541-6933

Start page

  • 106

End page

  • 110

Volume

  • 20

Issue

  • 1