An unusual cause of dysphonia with hemoptysis: a laryngeal live leech.
Iran J Otorhinolaryngol
; 26(76): 181-3, 2014 Jul.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-25009809
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Foreign bodies in the upper airway are one of the most challenging otolaryngology emergencies and have various presentations depending on their physical properties and location. Leeches are blood-sucking hermaphroditic worms that vary in color, length, and shape. They usually reside in fresh-water streams and lakes. When rural untreated water is drunk, leeches may localize in the nose, pharynx, and esophagus, or rarely in the larynx. CASE REPORT This case is a man who was referred to our otolaryngology clinic with a complaint of hemoptysis and mild respiratory distress. The patient's symptoms were all relieved post operatively and he was discharged on the second day following the procedure.CONCLUSION:
Leeches should be suspected as an airway foreign body in patients with a recent history of drinking stream water.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
Iran J Otorhinolaryngol
Year:
2014
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Iran