Acute epiglottic abscess presenting with severe airway obstruction in an adult

John Devasagayam, Jonah Seeni and Roy, Steuphen and Johari, Ahmad Hafizuddin (2026) Acute epiglottic abscess presenting with severe airway obstruction in an adult. Visual Journal of Emergency Medicine, 43 (NA). pp. 1-3. E-ISSN 2405-4690

	PDF - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (5MB) | Request a copy
Preview	PDF - Supplemental Material Download (121kB) | Preview

Abstract

Acute epiglottic abscess is a rare but life-threatening condition that can rapidly progress to severe airway obstruction in adults. We report a case of a 43-year-old man presenting with acute odynophagia and progressive respiratory distress. Despite initial medical therapy, his condition deteriorated, necessitating emergency airway intervention. Failed endotracheal intubation due to distorted supraglottic anatomy led to cricothyroidotomy, followed by definitive tracheostomy. Imaging and intraoperative findings confirmed a multiloculated epiglottic abscess, which was surgically drained. Microbiological culture identified Klebsiella pneumoniae, an uncommon pathogen in this condition. The patient showed good recovery with targeted intravenous antibiotics and was successfully decannulated. This case highlights the importance of early recognition, prompt airway assessment, and multidisciplinary management in adult supraglottic infections. Flexible nasoendoscopy plays a crucial role in risk stratification, while surgical drainage remains essential in abscess cases. Delayed diagnosis may result in catastrophic airway compromise.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Infected epiglottic cyst, Airway obstruction, Life threatening
Subjects:	R Medicine > RF Otorhinolaryngology
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Depositing User:	Dr Hafizuddin Johari
Date Deposited:	13 Apr 2026 10:05
Last Modified:	13 Apr 2026 10:45
Queue Number:	2026-04-Q2748
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/128192

Actions (login required)

View Item