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

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

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.

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

References

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2. Pandey CK, Sharma R, Baronia A, Agarwal A, Singh N. An unusual cause of respiratory distress: live leech in the larynx.AnesthAnalg. 2000; 90(5): 1227-8.

3. Kaygusuz I, Yalçin S, Keleş E. Leeches in the larynx.Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol.2001; 258(9): 455-7.

4. Mohammad Y, Rostum M, Dubaybo BA. Laryngealhirudiniasis: an unusual cause of airway obstruction and hemoptysis. PediatrPulmonol.2002; 33(3): 224-6.

5. Rahimi-Rad MH, Alizadeh E, Samarei R.Aquatic leech as a rare cause of respiratory distress and hemoptysis.Pneumologia.2011; 60(2):85-6.

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

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