Sudden Death from Acute Epiglottitis and Epiglottic Abscess in Adult.
10.7580/kjlm.2015.39.2.49
- Author:
Sang Jae NOH
1
;
Ho LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Forensic Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea. foremed@jbnu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Epiglottitis;
Abscess;
Airway obstruction;
Sudden death;
Adult
- MeSH:
Abscess*;
Adult*;
Aged;
Airway Obstruction;
Autopsy;
Death, Sudden*;
Dyspnea;
Emergencies;
Epiglottis;
Epiglottitis*;
Humans;
Incidence;
Inflammation
- From:Korean Journal of Legal Medicine
2015;39(2):49-52
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
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.
