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Rare living hypopharyngeal foreign body
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
Summary
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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