A rare case of upper airway obstruction due to laryngeal leech infestation in a 1-year-old child
Case report published in Respiratory Medicine Case Reports (2025)
Abstract
Leech infestation of the upper airway is a rare but potentially life-threatening event, particularly in young children from rural areas exposed to untreated water sources. We report a case of a 1-year-old boy presenting with acute upper airway obstruction due to laryngeal leech attachment. Diagnosis was confirmed by direct laryngoscopy, and the leech was successfully removed under general anesthesia. The patient had a full recovery following the intervention. This report highlights the diagnostic challenges and management considerations in pediatric airway leech infestation and underscores the importance of public education regarding the use of safe water.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Rare case of laryngeal leech infestation in 1-year-old causing upper airway obstruction — describes urgent endoscopic removal and supportive care.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
This case report describes a 1-year-old boy presenting with acute upper airway obstruction due to laryngeal leech attachment, diagnosed by direct laryngoscopy and managed by leech removal under general anesthesia with full recovery. The study emphasizes diagnostic challenges in pediatric airway leech infestation and the importance of safe water access. This case involves a leech entirely in the context of accidental parasitic infestation from untreated water exposure, not therapeutic application. The abstract provides no discussion of leech biology, secretions, or therapeutic mechanisms relevant to hirudotherapy. This is a single pediatric case report, and its relevance to ASH's domain of therapeutic hirudotherapy and the leech secretome is negligible.
Citación
A rare case of upper airway obstruction due to laryngeal leech infestation in a 1-year-old child.
Woldemariam TH et al. · Respiratory medicine case reports, 2025
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026