Diphtheria: a case report
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1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Leighton Hospital, Crewe, UK. imankhodaei@tiscali.co.uk
Objective:
We report a case of diphtheria in an elderly patient, with a fatal outcome.
Method:
Case report and a review of the literature concerning the current recommended guidelines on detection of, and response to, diphtheria.
Results:
Although still rare, cases of diphtheria are being reported with increasing frequency in the UK, possibly as a result of immigration and travel. A high index of suspicion, rapid detection of carriers, and instigation of treatment and vaccination are the mainstays of management.
Conclusion:
Diphtheria can mimic other forms of acute upper airway obstruction and can lead to a fatal outcome. Otorhinolaryngological surgeons need to consider this re-emergent disease as a potential diagnosis in patients with an unusual presentation of airway obstruction.
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Diphtheria
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