Case report of recurrent epistaxis caused by a live leech in the nasal cavity.

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE Epistaxis is one of the common emergencies in otolaryngology. There are many causes of epistaxis, but reports of epistaxis due to nasal foreign bodies like leeches are rare. PATIENT CONCERNS A 55-year-old male presented with "repeated epistaxis for over 20 days." Nasal endoscopy revealed a live leech in the olfactory area of the left nostril. DIAGNOSES The patient was diagnosed with epistaxis caused by a live leech in the nasal cavity. INTERVENTIONS: Under nasal endoscopy, the leech was grasped with a vascular clamp and removed from the nasal cavity. The leech measured 8 cm in length. Hemostasis was achieved using a gelatin sponge at the wound site, and the nasal cavity was packed with Vaseline gauze. OUTCOMES: The live leech was removed via nasal endoscopy. Two days later, the Vaseline gauze packing was removed, and the patient experienced no further nasal bleeding. CONCLUSION: Live leeches in the nasal cavity can cause epistaxis. Nasal endoscopic removal of the live leech is an effective treatment. LESSON There are many causes of epistaxis, which are nonspecific and prone to missed or incorrect diagnosis. In patients with a history of fieldwork or direct contact with leeches who present with recurrent nasal bleeding, the possibility of epistaxis caused by a live leech should be considered, and timely and effective treatment should be provided.