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Anales de Otorrinolaringología Mexicana

2025, Number 1

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Otorrinolaringología 2025; 70 (1)

Acute epiglottitis with epiglottic abscess: Case report and review of therapeutic approach

Ley TJJ, Ramírez GLS, Pérez DGM

Language: Spanish
References: 18
Page: 25-29
PDF size: 337.41 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Background: Epiglottic abscess is considered a rare complication of acute epiglottitis, with an incidence of 4%. It frequently occurs on the lingual surface of the epiglottis, and can be diagnosed clinically by laryngoscopy. Laboratory studies, such as simple and contrast tomography, are useful.
Clinical case: A 63-year-old male patient who began with pharyngodynia and dysphagia for all consistencies, dysphonia, as well as temperature increases, for which he was referred to our institution. On examination, he was conscious, alert, febrile, with a hot potato voice. Neck without alterations. Oral cavity with free opening, moderate hyaline secretions, partial edentulia with the rest of the teeth in poor general condition, grade I palatine tonsils, posterior pharyngeal wall without alterations. Nasofibrolaryngoscopy revealed: vallecula with abundant purulent secretions, pyriform sinuses not assessable due to accumulation of secretions. Swollen epiglottis with whitish lesions on the free edge and lingual surface, abundant purulent secretions in the laryngeal introitus with penetration. Subglottis could not be assessed.
Conclusions: Epiglottic abscess imminently threaten the patient’s life, so ensuring the airway is a priority, constant communication with the anesthesiology service is essential.


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