Necrotizing epiglottitis treated with early surgical debridement: A case report

Publication date: Available online 25 July 2018

Source: American Journal of Otolaryngology

Author(s): Clare Richardson, Prashanth Thalanayar Muthukrishnan, Chelsea Hamill, Vidya Krishnan, Freedom Johnson

Abstract

Objective

Necrotizing supraglottitis is a rare but potentially morbid infection most often seen in immunocompromised patients. All reported cases have utilized intravenous antibiotic therapy as the mainstay of treatment and many have had associated morbidities.

Methods

We describe a case of a 50-year-old previously healthy female who presented with necrotizing epiglottis and was treated with immediate surgical debridement followed by directed antibiotic therapy.

Results

Our patient rapidly recovered with no further invasive interventions. On follow up she had no further complications or functional deficits.

Conclusions

Although uncommon, providers should be aware of the potential benefits of early debridement when treating patients with similar pathology. Early surgical intervention should be considered to avoid local tissue loss, airway interventions, and long-term sequelae.

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