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Adult supraglottitis due to herpes simplex virus
A J D'Angelo1, S Zwillenberg, J P Olekszyk
1Division of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19129.
The Journal of Otolaryngology
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Supraglottitis, an infection of the epiglottis, is now recognized in adults, not just children. While typically bacterial, this study notes rare viral causes, including herpes simplex virus-I in adults, which is previously unreported.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Epiglottitis concepts have evolved over 20 years.
- Supraglottitis, previously considered pediatric, is now recognized in adults.
- Haemophilus influenzae type B is the usual cause of supraglottitis.
Observation:
- Recent cases implicate various organisms in supraglottitis etiology.
- Viral supraglottitis is exceptionally rare.
- Adult supraglottitis caused by herpes simplex virus-I is undocumented.
Findings:
- The understanding of epiglottitis has shifted significantly.
- Adult supraglottitis is an emerging clinical concern.
- Etiology of supraglottitis is expanding beyond typical bacterial pathogens.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider supraglottitis in adult differential diagnoses.
- Further research is needed to explore viral causes of adult supraglottitis.
- This expands the known spectrum of epiglottitis and its causative agents.