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Multiple live leeches from nose in a single patient- a rare entity
Satyawati1, Surinder K Singhal, Arjun Dass
1Dept. of Otorhinolaryngology, Government Medical College, Sector-32, 160 047 Chandigarh, India.
Summary
Leech infestation is a rare cause of epistaxis (nosebleeds) in children. This case report details an unusual instance of a child experiencing bilateral epistaxis due to multiple live leeches in the nasal cavity.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Parasitology
Background:
- Foreign bodies are a frequent cause of unilateral epistaxis in children.
- Both animate and inanimate foreign bodies are commonly encountered.
- Leech infestation as a cause of epistaxis is exceptionally rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an unusual case of bilateral epistaxis in a pediatric patient.
- To highlight the infrequent occurrence of leech infestation causing epistaxis.
- To contribute to the literature on rare causes of pediatric epistaxis.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a four-year-old child presenting with bilateral epistaxis.
- Clinical examination and diagnosis of nasal leech infestation.
- Management and removal of the leeches.
Main Results:
- The child presented with bilateral epistaxis, an atypical presentation for foreign body nasal intromission.
- Infestation with multiple live leeches was identified as the cause.
- Successful removal of all leeches was achieved.
Conclusions:
- This case underscores that leech infestation, though rare, can present as bilateral epistaxis in children.
- Awareness of such unusual etiologies is crucial for timely diagnosis and management in pediatric epistaxis.
- Further documentation of rare parasitic causes of epistaxis is warranted.
