Angina Bullosa Hemorrhagica: Post-traumatic Swelling in the Oral Cavity—A Case Report

Abstract

Angina bullosa hemorrhagica (ABH) is a rare, benign disorder characterized by one or multiple blood-filled blisters in the oral cavity (mainly soft palate, and sometimes oropharynx) with a sudden onset, that may lead to a potentially threatened airway. The most common hypothesis of its unknown origin is mild trauma. This lesion can easily be confused with other mucosal diseases or hematological disorders. Knowledge of the condition is important for correct diagnosis and treatment. Incision of the bulla, intubation, or even tracheotomy may be indicated. Here we present a case of 35-year-old woman with a complaint of dysphagia without dyspnea. During oral examination, a blue and/or purple blister on the soft palate was present. On endoscopic examination, an edematous uvula was observed, without other abnormalities. Eventually, the blister ruptured spontaneously and healed within one week without any sequelae.

Angina bullosahemorrhagica, an uncommon oral disorder: Case report

“…A tissue biopsy or analysis of blister fluid is not advised, because it may cause a secondary infection at the blister site. 4 Reports have suggested a possible association between ABH and systemic disorders such as diabetes 5 and hypertension, 6 although further studies aimed at confirming such preliminary findings must be performed to confirm it.…”

Angina Bullosa Hemorrhagica: A Rare and Interesting Presentation

“…ABH mainly affects the soft palate of elderly adults, although occasionally these lesions may occur in the anterior pillar of the fauces, epiglottis, arytenoids, pharyngeal wall, and esophagus [3,4]. While the origin of ABH is unknown, the most widely accepted hypothesis is mild trauma, mainly during food ingestion [3,5]. Generally, it is an infrequent condition with a favorable resolution in a few days, and an overall good prognosis [1,4,5].…”

“…While the origin of ABH is unknown, the most widely accepted hypothesis is mild trauma, mainly during food ingestion [3,5]. Generally, it is an infrequent condition with a favorable resolution in a few days, and an overall good prognosis [1,4,5]. ABH is still poorly documented in the literature, and its etiology remains uncertain [4].…”