BACKGROUND: After deployment of the Haemophilus influenzae vaccination, the range of pathogens causing acute epiglottitis has changed, as has the epidemiology from a primarily pediatric syndrome towards more frequent adult onset. OBJECTIVES: We present a case of acute-onset meningococcal epiglottitis in an adult patient, to our knowledge one of a few reported cases in the medical literature. We review the historic changes and outcomes of similar episodes. CASE REPORT: A 37-year-old diabetic man presented to our Emergency Department in acute respiratory distress. Examination revealed epiglottitis; his airway subsequently closed rapidly and was secured by surgical cricothyroidotomy; blood cultures showed the primary pathogen to be Neisseria meningitidis type C. CONCLUSION: Neisseria meningitidis has been found to be an emerging cause of acute epiglottitis in adult patients over the last decade, possibly having worsened outcomes compared to other etiologies.
BACKGROUND: After deployment of the Haemophilus influenzae vaccination, the range of pathogens causing acute epiglottitis has changed, as has the epidemiology from a primarily pediatric syndrome towards more frequent adult onset. OBJECTIVES: We present a case of acute-onset meningococcal epiglottitis in an adult patient, to our knowledge one of a few reported cases in the medical literature. We review the historic changes and outcomes of similar episodes. CASE REPORT: A 37-year-old diabeticman presented to our Emergency Department in acute respiratory distress. Examination revealed epiglottitis; his airway subsequently closed rapidly and was secured by surgical cricothyroidotomy; blood cultures showed the primary pathogen to be Neisseria meningitidis type C. CONCLUSION:Neisseria meningitidis has been found to be an emerging cause of acute epiglottitis in adult patients over the last decade, possibly having worsened outcomes compared to other etiologies.