Matthias Kuehnemund1, Friedrich Bootz. 1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical School, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany. kuehnemund@ukb-bonn.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This is a case report about a rare hypopharyngeal foreign body causing dysphagia, dyspnea, and hemoptysis as well as melena: an ingested leech. The patient was in this condition for more than 1 week. METHODS: The ingested leech, attached to the right piriform fossa partially obstructing the larynx, had to be removed under general anesthesia. RESULTS: After removal, no further symptoms occurred. The leech was identified as the species Theromyzon tessulatum. CONCLUSIONS: Human infestation of a leech in the upper aerodigestive tract is a very rare condition in urban areas. The current literature is reviewed and the diagnostic approach as well as therapeutic options are discussed.
BACKGROUND: This is a case report about a rare hypopharyngeal foreign body causing dysphagia, dyspnea, and hemoptysis as well as melena: an ingested leech. The patient was in this condition for more than 1 week. METHODS: The ingested leech, attached to the right piriform fossa partially obstructing the larynx, had to be removed under general anesthesia. RESULTS: After removal, no further symptoms occurred. The leech was identified as the species Theromyzon tessulatum. CONCLUSIONS:Human infestation of a leech in the upper aerodigestive tract is a very rare condition in urban areas. The current literature is reviewed and the diagnostic approach as well as therapeutic options are discussed.