Aglossia: Case Report

Abstract

Introduction Aglossia is a rare condition caused by failure of the tongue embryogenesis process (in the fourth to eighth weeks of gestation). The tongue is an organ used in different activities such as sucking, swallowing, chewing, and talking. It is also responsible for shaping palate dental arches (in its absence, they become atrophic). There are few similar cases reported in the literature. Objective To describe a rare case of aglossia and the multidisciplinary professionals working together for 5 years to treat the patient. Resumed Report An 8-year-old girl with aglossia had an assessment comprising: (1) clinical assessment of the stomatognathic system related to resting posture, tonus, and mobility; (2) orthodontic assessment; (3) surface electromyography of the chewing muscles; (4) swallowing videofluoroscopy. Conclusion The authors confirmed the need of multidisciplinary cooperation to improve the patient's quality of life, because agenesia implicates many activities/functions that depend on the tongue to fully work. Multiprofessional cooperation helps the patient learn compensation mechanisms.

Effect of Lingual Frenotomy on Tongue and Lip Rest Position: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial

“…1,2 The importance of tongue contact against the palate is demonstrated in studies that describe anatomical characteristics in cases of aglossia, with palate atresia being one of the reported consequences. [3][4][5] Most qualified clinicians are aware of the negative impact of sucking and mouth breathing habits on the resting position of the tongue and lips; however, several clinicians overlook a third cause, which is the presence of ankyloglossia. 1 Studies report that ankyloglossia makes tongue coupling against the hard palate difficult, impacting maxillary development, [6][7][8][9][10] which may lead to breathing disorders during sleep.…”

“…1 2 The importance of tongue contact against the palate is demonstrated in studies that describe anatomical characteristics in cases of aglossia, with palate atresia being one of the reported consequences. 3 4 5 …”

Desenvolvimento do sistema estomatognático durante a vida intrauterina – revisão de literatura

“…Apresenta-se como uma falha da embriologia da língua, que acontece entre quarta e oitava semanas de gestação. Ela apresenta associação com algumas síndromes congênitas, como as Síndromes de Pierre Robin (Síndrome congênita originada a partir dos 1° e 2° arcos faríngeos) e Moëbius (decorrente da formação anormal dos nervos cranianos) 25 . Observam-se, ainda, os casos de anquiloglossia, uma alteração no desenvolvimento da língua que tem como característica a baixa inserção do freio lingual, restringindo assim seus movimentos, com etiologia pouco esclarecida 26 .…”