glossoptosis

Etiology

• macroglossia (Down syndrome)
• retrognathia (Pierre Robin syndrome, Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome)
• neuromuscular disease

Pathology

• downward displacement or retraction of the tongue
• the tongue may be moved posteriorly during sleep against the posterior pharynx, resulting in airway obstruction & oxygen desaturation

Complications

• obstructive sleep apnea

More general terms

• tongue disease