Difficult airway due to protruding macroglossia in a child with lymphangioma

Lymphangiomas, or cystic hygromas, are relatively uncommon congenital malformations of the lymphatic system that usually present during the first years of childhood. They are rare in adults. A search of the literature on MedLine revealed only few reports about lymphangioma as a cause of difficult airway management after the neonatal period. Herein, we present a case of difficult intubation due to protruding macroglossia in a 5-year-old girl diagnosed with recurrent lesions of lymphangioma. We also discuss possible problems in airway protection, drug choice, and post-operative follow-up associated with surgical excision of these lesions.