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Leeches in the larynx

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Monther H. Labadi  and
Musa N. Jamal
Monther H. Labadi*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, A1-Hussein Hospital, Amman, Jordan.
Musa N. Jamal
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Salt and Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan.
*
Address for correspondence: Monther H. Labadi, Po Box 638 Sweileh, Jordan.
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Abstract

This is a report of two patients with leech inhalation. The first patient presented with severe attacks of inspiratory stridor, cyanosis and cough of five days duration. He had no fever. Indirect laryngoscopy revealed a black, smooth foreign body between the vocal folds. Lateral soft tissue X-ray of the neck revealed shadow involving the glottic and the subglottic areas of the larynx. Laryngoscopy under general anaesthesia showed a living leech. This was removed and the patient improved.

The second patient presented with difficulty of breathing, dysphagia, and spitting of blood of two weeks duration. Indirect laryngoscopy revealed a brown foreign body in the larynx. Laryngoscopy under general anaesthesia showed a living leech. This was removed by forceps.

Keywords

LeechesLarynxAirway obstruction
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 111 , Issue 10 , October 1997 , pp. 980 - 981
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1997

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