[Traumatic macroglossia--a rare indication for tracheotomy]

Abstract

Hemorrhage into the tongue caused by a trauma is able to produce dangerous hematomas. During an hypertensive crisis a 17 year old patient suffered from an ictus with a bite on his tongue. A macroglossia developed with shortness of breath, so that only a tracheotomy could grand a sufficient ventilation. The macroglossia decreased within 6 days, the nasal breathing was no longer prevented, so the tracheostoma could be closed. An operative intervention is necessary, if conservative therapy is without success referred to diminuation of the tongue.