Korean J Leg Med.  2015 May;39(2):49-52. 10.7580/kjlm.2015.39.2.49.

Sudden Death from Acute Epiglottitis and Epiglottic Abscess in Adult

• Noh SJ
• Lee H

• KMID: 1794324
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7580/kjlm.2015.39.2.49

Abstract

Acute epiglottitis is an inflammation of the epiglottis and adjacent structures. Although the incidence is extremely rare, acute epiglottitis is a life-threatening medical emergency and can cause sudden respiratory obstruction. Herein, we describe two cases of sudden death from epiglottitis and epiglottic abscess. A 39-year-old man and 66-year-old man died after suffering from shortness of breath. Autopsies revealed diffuse swelling and abscess formation in the epiglottis and neighboring structures. These cases emphasize the medicolegal importance of sudden death from acute epiglottitis and epiglottic abscess in adults.

Keyword

Epiglottitis; Abscess; Airway obstruction; Sudden death; Adult

MeSH Terms

Abscess*
Adult*
Aged
Airway Obstruction
Autopsy
Death, Sudden*
Dyspnea
Emergencies
Epiglottis
Epiglottitis*
Humans
Incidence
Inflammation

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. (A) Case 1: diffuse swelling of epiglottis with redness and cystic dilation on the right lingual surface (arrowhead). (B) Case 2: diffuse swelling of epiglottis with the formation of visible, yellowish abscess along the right aryepiglottic fold (arrow).

• 

  Fig. 2. Microscopic finding of epiglottitis and epiglottic abscess, with dense infiltration of neutrophils and necrotic material in mucosal and submucosal tissues (H&E, ×20).

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