Adult Acute Epiglottitis in Association with Infection of an Epiglottic Cyst

Abstract

Acute infective inflammation of the epiglottis and supraglottic tissues in the adult is an uncommon but life-threatening condition. 1•4 The incidence of adult cases may even be on the increase. 5 However, epiglottitis in association with infection of a pre-existing epiglottic cyst is unusual. CASE REPORT In January 1988 a 62-year-old man presented with several hours history of sore throat, dysphagia and pyrexia. A cyst on the left side of his epiglottis had previously been noted in May 1985 during the course of an anaesthetic laryngoscopy. The epiglottic cyst had been asymptomatic and had required no treatment at that time. On admission to hospital his axillary temperature was 37.5°C. There was a cellulitis of the skin overlying the anterior aspect of his neck and sternum. The patient had a muffled voice and was unable to swallow his saliva. However, he had no stridor in the sitting position at rest and had no palpable lymph nodes. Humidified oxygen therapy was administered to the patient in the sitting position. Throat swabs, blood cultures, a full blood count and a lateral soft tissue X-ray of neck were obtained. The lateral X-ray of neck demonstrated the extended cervical spine typical of upper airways obstruction, widening of the prevertebral soft tissue •F.F.A.R.C.S .. Senior Registrar in Anaesthesia.

Micro flap technique: a novel approach for the management of a large epiglottic cyst

“…Prophylactic antibiotics and adequate hydration are always necessary to avoid acute epiglottitis. [9][10][11] CONCLUSION Epiglottic cyst is a not an unusual disease in the larynx. Although the lesion is benign, airway obstruction may occur due to a large cyst both in children and adults.…”

Epiglottic Cyst Incidentally Discovered During Screening Endoscopy: A Case Report and Review of Literature

“…Another potential complication of lesions is secondary infection of the cyst. This may progress to the epiglottitis and epiglottic abscess, which can also be a cause of airway obstruction and respiratory arrest 20,21,22). Thus, early intervention may be prudent for incidentally found epiglottic cyst in adults, though they may be symptomless and small in size.…”

Epiglottis cyst infection presenting with acute epiglottitis

“…Epiglot lingual yüzü, epiglot apse oluşumunun en sık geliştiği bölgedir. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Ameliyattan önce hastadaki lezyonun epiglot apsesiyle komplike olan bir akut epiglottit atağından mı kaynaklandığı, yoksa önceden mevcut olan epiglot kistinin apseleşmesinin mi olduğu anlaşılamayabilir. Bu yüzden, apse olarak bildirilen bazı olguların, enfekte epiglot kisti olduğu varsayılabilir.…”

“…[6] Bazı kulak burun boğaz (KBB) hekimleri asemptomatik epiglot kistlerinin sadece takibini önerirken, sınırlı bir kaç olgu sunumunda enfekte epiglot kistlerinin, entübasyon gerektiren akut epiglottite neden olduğu bildirilmiştir. [7,8] Bu yazıda akut epiglottit nedeniyle tedavi edilen ve semptomları gerileyen ancak yapılan kontrol muayenesinde epiglot kisti saptanması nedeniyle ameliyat edilen bir hasta sunuldu.…”