Christina Giannikas1, Howard D Pomeranz2, Lee P Smith3, Zipora Fefer4. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, Great Neck, New York; Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, Hempstead, New York. Electronic address: ChristinaG@gmail.com. 2. Department of Ophthalmology, North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, Great Neck, New York; Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, Hempstead, New York. 3. Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, Hempstead, New York; Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Cohen Children's Medical Center, North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, New Hyde Park, New York. 4. Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, Hempstead, New York; Division of Pediatric Neurology, Cohen Children's Medical Center, North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, New Hyde Park, New York.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Horner syndrome after tonsillectomy has been reported rarely in the literature. Furthermore, postoperative Horner syndrome lasting more than a 1 month is an even more rare occurrence. PATIENT: We present a persistent postoperative Horner syndrome in a 5-year-old child following tonsillectomy. RESULTS: Clinical diagnosis of Horner syndrome is confirmed pharmacologically, and damage to the oculosympathetic pathway at the level of the superior cervical ganglion is radiographically demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Conventional monopolar electrosurgical dissection led to irreversible damage of ganglionic neural tissue at the level of the palatine tonsilar fossa and permanent Horner syndrome.
BACKGROUND:Horner syndrome after tonsillectomy has been reported rarely in the literature. Furthermore, postoperative Horner syndrome lasting more than a 1 month is an even more rare occurrence. PATIENT: We present a persistent postoperative Horner syndrome in a 5-year-old child following tonsillectomy. RESULTS: Clinical diagnosis of Horner syndrome is confirmed pharmacologically, and damage to the oculosympathetic pathway at the level of the superior cervical ganglion is radiographically demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Conventional monopolar electrosurgical dissection led to irreversible damage of ganglionic neural tissue at the level of the palatine tonsilar fossa and permanent Horner syndrome.