Excessive Reactive Lymphoid Hyperplasia in a Child With Persistent Obstructive Sleep Apnea Despite Previous Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

Both lingual tonsil and adenoid are the lymphoid tissue members of Waldeyer ring. Enlargement of the lingual tonsil and adenoid occurs in children with persistent obstructive sleep apnea despite previous tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy relatively frequently.In this article, we present a case with upper airway obstruction and infection findings because of excessive lingual tonsil and adenoid tissue hyperplasia and, additionally, bilateral multiple cervical lymphadenopathies. The patient had had tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy 8 years ago. Etiopathogenetic mechanisms, clinical, radiologic, histopathologic aspects, and surgical therapeutic options for obstructive sleep apnea related to excessive reactive lymphoid hyperplasia in children are discussed reviewing the literature.