A Rare and Unusual Cause of Recurrent Hemoptysis: Alive Intratracheal Leech Infestation

Abstract

Hemoptysis is defined as blood expectoration from below the vocal cords. Foreign bodies inhaled or consumed can be the causes of hemoptysis. Among alive foreign objects, leech infestation, happens via drinking infested bodies of water. Leech infestation in airway might be the cause of serious complications naming dysphonia, stridor, hemoptysis, choking, respiratory distress; foreign body sensation. Although intratracheal leech infestation have been rarely reported, in the current case a 79-year farmer presented recurrent non massive hemoptysis. Via fibroptic bronchoscopy a live leech was found in the trachea of the patient and with the use of Lidocaine the leech was removed. In order to avoid such incidences, governments play an important role in building and repairing infrastructures regarding sanitary water and meanwhile educating and informing their population about sanitary water consumption.

Keywords

• Hemoptysis
• Intratracheal
• Leech