COVID-19 infection presenting with acute epiglottitis

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Otolaryngology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Acute epiglottitis incidence decreased due to Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccination, shifting demographics to adults with comorbidities.
• COVID-19 shares comorbidities with epiglottitis, including potential effects on gastrointestinal and neural tissues.
• Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been implicated in neurological conditions like necrotizing encephalitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first known case of acute epiglottitis as a presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To highlight the potential overlap in comorbidities between epiglottitis and COVID-19.
• To underscore the importance of considering epiglottitis in adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory failure.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient presenting with severe respiratory distress.
• Diagnostic evaluation including assessment for acute epiglottitis.
• Intervention with emergent cricothyrotomy due to respiratory failure.

Main Results:

• A novel presentation of acute epiglottitis was identified in a patient with SARS-CoV-2.
• The patient experienced extreme respiratory distress and failure, necessitating an emergent cricothyrotomy.
• This case represents the first documented instance of SARS-CoV-2 presenting with acute epiglottitis.

Conclusions:

• Acute epiglottitis can be a rare but severe manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• The overlap in comorbidities between epiglottitis and COVID-19 warrants increased clinical suspicion.
• This case emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and management of epiglottitis in the context of COVID-19.