Candida epiglottitis in immunocompromised patients.

Candida seldom has been reported to be a cause of epiglottitis. The clinical manifestations and management of three patients with Candida epiglottitis complicating their neoplastic disease are described. All patients were granulocytopenic. Candida epiglottitis occurred either as a localized infection, as a source of Candida bronchopneumonia, or as a manifestation of disseminated infection. Candida epiglottitis may be under-diagnosed and should be considered, especially in immunocompromised patients with symptoms of refractory pharyngitis. Treatment of Candida epiglottitis with intravenous amphotericin B is warranted in patients with sustained granulocytopenia. Prompt endotracheal intubation is indicated if the airway patency cannot be maintained.