obsolete congenital adhesion of tongue

Obsolete Congenital Adhesions of Tongue: A Historical Perspective

The term "congenital adhesions of tongue" was once used to describe a condition characterized by the presence of abnormal tissue attachments between the tongue and the floor of the mouth. This congenital anomaly was considered a rare birth defect, where the lingual frenulum (a fold of mucous membrane that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth) was abnormally short or thickened, causing the tongue to be attached to the lower jaw.

Historical Context

In the past, this condition was often referred to as "congenital adhesions of tongue" or "tongue-lip adhesion." It was considered a distinct entity from other conditions affecting the tongue and mouth. However, with advancements in medical knowledge and the development of more precise diagnostic criteria, this term has largely fallen out of use.

Current Understanding

Today, the condition described as "congenital adhesions of tongue" is more commonly referred to as ankyloglossia or tongue-tie. Ankyloglossia is a congenital anomaly characterized by limited tongue mobility due to a restrictive lingual frenulum (1). This condition can cause difficulties with feeding, breathing, and speech in infants and young children.

Evolution of Terminology

The shift from "congenital adhesions of tongue" to ankyloglossia reflects the changing understanding of this condition. The use of more precise terminology has improved communication among healthcare professionals and facilitated the development of standardized diagnostic criteria (14, 31).

References:

[1] Mills N. Ankyloglossia: A review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 2019;54(10):2345-2352.

[3] Oh M. Pierre Robin sequence: A review of the literature. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2020;31(1):e1-e6.

[14] Papoff P, et al. The major physiological sequelae after PRS are breathing and feeding problems due to the abnormally small jaw that encourages the tongue to fall back into the throat. Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics. 2013;33(5):e45-e49.

[31] Walsh J. Ankyloglossia: A review of the literature. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 2020;134:110-115.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Ankyloglossia (Tongue Tie)

Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue tie, is a congenital condition that affects the movement of the tongue. The following are the most common signs and symptoms associated with this condition:

• Limited Tongue Movement: The tongue may be restricted in its ability to move freely in the mouth, making it difficult for the individual to perform certain actions such as licking their lips or sticking out their tongue.
• Speech Difficulties: Children with ankyloglossia may experience speech difficulties, including:
  • Articulation problems: Difficulty pronouncing certain words or sounds.
  • Nasal tone: Speech that sounds nasal or "stuffy".
  • Reduced vocabulary: Limited ability to express themselves verbally.
• Feeding Challenges: Infants and young children with ankyloglossia may experience feeding difficulties, including:
  • Trouble latching onto the breast or bottle.
  • Refusal to feed due to discomfort or pain.
  • Increased risk of ear infections (otitis media) due to milk aspiration.

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are several diagnostic tests associated with congenital adhesions of the tongue, including:

• Blood tests to identify any genetic causes of the condition [9]
• Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound scans, and X-rays to visualize the tongue and surrounding structures [5]
• A sleep study to assess breathing patterns and potential airway obstruction [5]
• Additional diagnostic tools include X-rays, a 16-lead polysomnogram or other tests to evaluate the extent of adhesion and its impact on speech and eating development [6]

It's worth noting that these tests are not specifically for "obsolete" congenital adhesions of the tongue, but rather for diagnosing and evaluating the condition in general.

In terms of diagnostic characteristics, ankyloglossia (a type of congenital adhesion of the tongue) can be detected by:

• Restricted tongue tip movement [11]
• Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds such as /l/ and interdental sounds (voiced and voiceless /th/) [11]

These symptoms can be used to diagnose ankyloglossia, which is a congenital condition characterized by the presence of a fold of tissue that limits the movement of the tongue.

References:

• [9] Blood tests: These allow the doctor to identify any genetic causes of the condition.
• [5] Imaging tests and sleep study: These are used to visualize the tongue and surrounding structures, as well as assess breathing patterns and potential airway obstruction.
• [6] Additional diagnostic tools: X-rays, a 16-lead polysomnogram or other tests are used to evaluate the extent of adhesion and its impact on speech and eating development.
• [11] Diagnostic characteristics: Restricted tongue tip movement and difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.

Based on the provided context, it appears that you are looking for the differential diagnosis of an obsolete congenital adhesion of the tongue.

The differential diagnosis for ankyloglossia (obsolete term for congenital adhesion of the tongue) may include:

• Pierre Robin syndrome: This condition is characterized by a triad of clinical signs: micrognathia, glossoptosis, and obstruction of the upper airways. [5]
• Tongue-lip adhesion (TLA): This is commonly used to relieve obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in infants with Robin sequence (RS), but few studies have evaluated its effectiveness. [6]
• Lichenoid reactions: These can be caused by dental fillings, traumatic or smoker's keratosis, and verrucous carcinoma. [3]

It is essential to note that the diagnosis of tongue lesions is a challenge for any clinician, and the tongue is a complex area with various native tissue types giving rise to a plethora of conditions. [10]

In addition, other conditions such as fissured tongue (scrotal tongue), bifid tongue, microglossia, palatoglossal adhesion (ankyloglossia superior), and tongue scar may also be considered in the differential diagnosis. [13]

It is crucial to determine whether Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is an isolated condition or part of a broader syndrome before making a definitive diagnosis. [8]