Case report of acute epiglottitis in a 44-year-old man: a rare case

I Gusti Ayu Putu Wahyu Widiantari,Ida Bagus Semara Putra,Nyoman Dian Permatasari

doi:10.15562/ism.v12i3.954

Abstract

Background: Acute epiglottitis, also known as supraglottitis or supraglottic laryngitis, is an acute inflammation of the supraglottic area of the larynx. The diagnosis can be made based on clinical signs and symptoms as well as several investigations.Case Description: We reported a case of a 44-year-old man who presented to our emergency department and whose condition was ultimately diagnosed as epiglottitis. Indirect laryngoscopy and lateral soft tissue neck radiograph had an important role in determining the diagnosis. The patient was treated conservatively by giving a high dosed antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic drugs.Conclusion: Acute epiglottitis can be a life-threatening condition because it can cause sudden upper airway obstruction. Therefore, management must be given quickly and precisely so as not to fall into a life-threatening condition.

Highlights

Acute epiglottitis, known as supraglottis or supraglottic laryngitis, is a state of acute inflammation of the supraglottic larynx area, including inflammation epiglottis, vallecula, arytenoid, and aryepiglottic folds.[1]
Acute epiglottitis has been widely published in the pediatric literature.[2]
Epiglottitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection in the area, with the most common bacteria is Haemophilus influenzae type B.1,3

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Known as supraglottis or supraglottic laryngitis, is a state of acute inflammation of the supraglottic larynx area, including inflammation epiglottis, vallecula, arytenoid, and aryepiglottic folds.[1]. A lateral soft tissue neck radiograph revealed an enlargement of the aryepiglottic folds and epiglottis (Figure 1) He was given treatment, including intravenous fluid drops, a highdosed antibiotic (ceftriaxone), antiinflammatory (dexamethasone). As the symptoms were improved, the lateral soft tissue neck radiograph revealed a normal size of the epiglottis, and there was no enlargement (Figure 2). He was later discharged and given the oral treatment antibiotic (ciprofloxacin, 500 mg twice daily), oral antiinflammatory (methylprednisolone, 8 mg twice daily), and analgetic (paracetamol, 500 mg)

Findings

DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION