Rare living hypopharyngeal foreign body

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Matthias Kuehnemund1, Friedrich Bootz

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical School, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany. kuehnemund@ukb-bonn.de

Head & Neck
|August 26, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A rare case of an ingested leech in the hypopharynx caused severe symptoms including difficulty swallowing and breathing. Surgical removal of the leech resolved all symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • A rare case of a hypopharyngeal foreign body is presented.
  • The foreign body, an ingested leech, caused significant symptoms including dysphagia, dyspnea, hemoptysis, and melena for over a week.

Observation:

  • The leech was found attached to the right piriform fossa, partially obstructing the larynx.
  • Removal was performed under general anesthesia.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced complete symptom resolution after leech removal.
  • The leech was identified as *Theromyzon tessulatum*.

Implications:

  • Human leech infestation in the upper aerodigestive tract is exceptionally rare in urban settings.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare etiologies for upper aerodigestive tract symptoms and reviews diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

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