Sudden death due to epiglottic abscess.
- Author:
Kyung Moo YANG
1
;
Nak Eun JUNG
;
Jae Kwon KIM
;
Shin Mong KANG
Author Information
1. Division of Forensic Medicine, National Institute of Scientific Investigation, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
acute epiglottitis;
epiglottic abscess;
sudden death
- MeSH:
Abscess*;
Adult;
Airway Obstruction;
Bacterial Infections;
Death, Sudden*;
Edema;
Epiglottitis;
Female;
Humans;
Mentally Ill Persons
- From:Korean Journal of Legal Medicine
2007;31(1):89-91
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Acute epiglottitis is a local bacterial infection of the supraglottic area. Epiglottitis is generally caused by organisms which invoke an inflammatory response that develops rapid obstructive edema. The disease rarely progresses to abscess stage, either because medical intervention is sought or death by asphyxiation ensues. A 38-year-old, mentally ill but physically healthy woman died of airway obstruction caused by acute epiglottitis forming an abscess. She died unexpectedly and suddenly showing only minor nonspecific symptoms.
