Tonsillar cyst: an unusual cause of ventilatory failure

Abstract

COPD is a common disease that places a considerable burden on society; estimates based on disability life-years (DALY) suggests that COPD will become the fifth leading cause of disability worldwide by 2020.1 The term ‘exacerbation of COPD’ describes an acute deterioration in the patient's baseline symptoms (notably dyspnoea, cough or sputum production) and a necessity to change their usual medications.2 ‘Exacerbations’ with accompanying ventilatory failure in patients with severe COPD are a frequent cause of admission to hospital. We report an individual admitted in ventilatory failure who was initially diagnosed as having an exacerbation of COPD, but examination and investigations in clinic revealed that a tonsillar cyst was causing obstructive sleep apnoea, which upon removal led to substantial improvements.