Leech Infestation of the Nasopharynx; A Rare Cause of Epistaxis and Hemorrhage
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Mehmet Fatih Garça 1 * , M. Kürşat Yelken 2, Mehmet Hanifi Okur 3, Sevil Ari Yuca 4
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1 Van İpekyolu Public Hospital, Department of Otolariyngology, Van, Turkey2 Gaziosmanpaşa University, Medical Faculty, Department of Otolariyngology, Tokat, Turkey3 Van Education and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Van, Turkey4 Van Women Maternity and Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Diseases, Van, Turkey* Corresponding Author

Abstract

In this case report we present a live leech in the nasopharynx of a 14 years old male that caused symptoms of oral hemorrhage and epistaxis. Habitual drinking of water from spring appeared to cause leech infestation. The leech was removed endoscopically after 4% pantocain and oxmetazolin application. Leech infestation must be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of unusual respiratory distress, epistaxis, oral hemorrhage and hemoptysis especially on those who are living in rural areas where drinking water from springs is a habit.

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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Case Report

EUR J GEN MED, Volume 8, Issue 2, April 2011, 141-143

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejgm/82715

Publication date: 11 Apr 2011

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