Foreign body in the vallecula presenting as acute epiglottitis with unilateral supraglottitis

Authors

• Latifi Asrar, PO Box 2290, King Fahd Specialist Hospital Complex, Buraidah, AlQassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel/Fax. +966 (6) 3238314. E-mail: latifiasrar{at}hotmail.com
• Nureni Oyetunji, Department of ENT, King Fahd Specialist Hospital, Buraidah, AlQassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Sayed S. Raza, Department of ENT, King Fahd Specialist Hospital, Buraidah, AlQassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Imranulhaque Zeyaulhaque, Department Histopathology, Buraidah Central Hospital, Buraidah, AlQassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Life threatening inflammatory swelling of the epiglottic and supraglottic regions secondary to a foreign body in the vallecula is an unusual occurrence. Upper airway obstruction is potentially a life threatening sequela. We present a unique case of acute epiglottitis with unilateral supraglottitis secondary to foreign body in the vallecula, which gradually improved after emergency endotracheal intubation for respiratory arrest, followed by intensive conservative management with intravenous antibiotics, cortisone and intravenous fluids. This case emphasizes that a foreign body in the vallecula presenting with severe dysphagia should be taken seriously as it may lead to life threatening complications.

Article Type

Case Report

First Page

1449

Last Page

1452

Recommended Citation

Asrar, Latifi; Oyetunji, Nureni; Raza, Sayed S.; and Zeyaulhaque, Imranulhaque (2005) "Foreign body in the vallecula presenting as acute epiglottitis with unilateral supraglottitis," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 26: Iss. 9, Article 25.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/1658-3175.3125