RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Foreign body in the vallecula presenting as acute epiglottitis with unilateral supraglottitis
JF Saudi Medical Journal
JO Saudi Med J
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 1449
OP 1452
VO 26
IS 9
A1 Latifi Asrar
A1 Nureni Oyetunji
A1 Sayed S. Raza
A1 Imranulhaque Zeyaulhaque
YR 2005
UL http://smj.org.sa/content/26/9/1449.abstract
AB 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.