An unusual cause of dysphonia with hemoptysis: a laryngeal live leech

INTRODUCTIONForeign 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 f...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Iranian journal of otorhinolaryngology 2014, Vol.26 (76), p.181-183
Main Authors: Rajati, Mohsen, Irani, Shirin, Khadivi, Ehsan, Bakhshaee, Mehdi
Format: Report
Language:English
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Summary:INTRODUCTIONForeign 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 REPORTThis 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. CONCLUSIONLeeches should be suspected as an airway foreign body in patients with a recent history of drinking stream water.
ISSN:2251-7251