[Cor pulmonale caused by hypertrophic adenoid glands and tonsils: indications for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in a 2-year-old child].

A 23-month-old boy with the syndrome of hypoventilation, obstructive sleep-apnea, pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale due to chronic upper airway obstruction resulting from adenotonsillar hypertrophy, is presented. After the surgical removal of obstructing tissue rapid clinical improvement ensued and signs of cor pulmonale returned to normal within a few days. The relationship between the upper airway obstruction and hypoventilation and cor pulmonale is discussed and the importance of early recognition and removal of enlarged tonsils before life-threatening complications occur, is stressed.