Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

An Unusual Cause of Dysphonia with Hemoptysis: A Laryngeal Live Leech

Document Type : Case Report

Authors
Mohsen Rajati 1
Shirin Irani 2
Ehsan Khadivi 1
Mehdi Bakhshaee 1
1 Sinus and Surgical Endoscopic Research Center, Ghaem Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
2 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
10.22038/ijorl.2014.2627
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.   
 
  
 
Keywords
Dysphonia
Hemoptysis
Leech

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Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Volume 26, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
July and August 2014
Pages 181-183