Sudden infant death syndrome and hypertrophy of the palatine tonsil: reports on two cases.

Two cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) with hypertrophy of the palatine tonsil were reported. The pathogenesis of the SIDS has been clarified (Guilleminault et al., Pediatrics, 68 (1981) 354-360). According to this theory, it is due to a central impairment of the breathing control during sleep, which is particularly pronounced in predisposed subjects. The present cases suggest that the hypertrophied palatine tonsil might contribute as a predisposing factor to the emergence of a SIDS by mechanical impediment to breathing by narrowing of the upper airway.