aglossia aglossia aglossia (aglossia congenita) is a congenital defect resulting in a partial development or complete absence of a tongue. aglossia is commonly associated with craniofacial and limb defects (adactylia syndrome) and is thought to belong to a family of oromandibular limb hypogenesis syndrome (olhs). it is believed to be caused by heat-induced vascular disruption near the fourth week of embryonic development. the first known case was reported in the early 18th century by a member of the prominent de jussieu family in france and cases to this day remain rare.