Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 9, 2025

Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
Published on: June 28, 2018
Oropharyngeal hemorrhage in patients with COVID-19: A multi-institutional case series
Collin F Mulcahy1, Melissa Ghulam-Smith2, Ishwarya S Mamidi1
1Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, 2300 M Street, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20037, United States of America.
Background:
Patients with COVID-19 who are intubated and require mechanical ventilation have been observed to have oropharyngeal bleeding necessitating otolaryngology intervention.
Methods:
We report five cases of oropharyngeal hemorrhage in COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilation requiring evaluation by otolaryngologists at George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) and Boston Medical Center (BMC) from March to April 2020. Institutional Review Board at both institutions exempted this study from informed consent because there were no identifiable patient characteristics, photographs, or imaging studies included.
Results:
All five patients were managed conservatively; four required packing with Kerlix gauze by an otolaryngologist. Two patients had the additional requirement of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and associated anticoagulation. Three patients improved with oropharyngeal packing; two had persistent bleeding. Three patients expired. Endotracheal tubes were repositioned less frequently due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions:
Intubated patients with COVID-19 may have an increased risk of oropharyngeal hemorrhage. This may be due to anticoagulation, prolonged intubation, or decreased frequency of endotracheal tube repositioning. Otolaryngologists should wear appropriate PPE when managing this hemorrhagic complication.
More Related Videos
03:42High-Speed Human Temporal Bone Sectioning for the Assessment of COVID-19-Associated Middle Ear Pathology
Published on: May 18, 2022
09:03Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on: November 7, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...