Uvular Necrosis Following Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Uvular necrosis is an uncommon complication of esophagogastroduodenoscopy. It usually presents with sore throat, fever, foreign-body sensation, and odynophagia following esophagogastroduodenoscopy. It occurs due to impairment of local circulation, which is caused by impingement of the uvula between the endoscope and the hard palate. It may also arise from excessive suctioning of the area surrounding the uvula. We present a case of uvular necrosis following esophagogastroduodenoscopy and describe current strategies to prevent this rare complication. CASE REPORT A 19-year-old man presented with a 4-day history of odynophagia, severe sore throat, and foreign-body sensation that started within 24 h after esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Uvular necrosis was observed on physical examination. The patient was treated conservatively with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics, and his symptoms resolved completely. CONCLUSIONS We believe that this is the sixth reported case of uvular necrosis following an uncomplicated diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy in a young patient. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a routine procedure performed by gastroenterologists. Uvular necrosis can occur as a rare complication of esophagogastroduodenoscopy; therefore, it is important to monitor patients for odynophagia and abnormal foreign-body sensation following the procedure for at least 72 h. Uvular necrosis should be suspected if odynophagia persists after this period despite adequate treatment with conventional analgesics. Prompt diagnosis and management can relieve the patient's symptoms, given that uvular necrosis is a self-limiting complication with a good prognosis.