Extra-esophageal acid reflux induced adenotonsillar hyperplasia: case report and literature review

Abstract

The etiology of adenotonsillar hyperplasia is not well understood. A 3-year-old child presented with obstructive sleep apnea believed to be secondary to enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Subglottic stenosis was encountered during intubation; the adenotonsillectomy was cancelled. Severe extra-esophageal reflux was identified and treated. At follow-up endoscopy 3 weeks later, the tonsils and adenoids were no longer enlarged or obstructing the airway. The role of extra-esophageal reflux in the pathogenesis adenotonsillar hyperplasia is discussed.