Right cardiac failure and pulmonary hypertension secondary to tonsil hypertrophy in a 3-year-old boy: a case report

Mehdi Berrajaa, Abdeladim Babakhouya, Mohamed El Minaoui
Souss-Massa University Hospital and University Ibn Zohr. Mohammed VI University Hospital.
Morocco

PanAfrican Medical Journal
Pan Afr Med J 2025;
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2025.50.2.39678

Abstract
In children, the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is 2 to 3%. Pulmonary hypertension-related OSAS in the context of tonsil hypertrophy is a well-documented phenomenon. However, cases combining pulmonary hypertension and right cardiac failure have rarely been reported. The management of such cases is based on adenotonsillectomy with an important subsequent impact on the right ventricle and left ventricle functions. Herein, we report a 3-year-old boy with right cardiac failure and pulmonary hypertension due to OSAS that was secondary to bilateral tonsil hypertrophy. The patient has well evolved with complete resolution of OSAS, and cardiac and respiratory alteration after adenotonsillectomy. Our reported case should be a reminder for otolaryngologists, pediatricians, and cardiologists to recognize this particular condition.

Category
Class III. Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Airway Disease, Apnea or Hypoventilation
Right Heart Dysfunction Associated with Pulmonary Vascular Disease

Age Focus: Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease

Fresh or Filed Publication: Fresh (PHresh). Less than 1-2 years since publication

Article Access
Free PDF File or Full Text Article Available Through PubMed or DOI: Yes

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