Research Article
A Case of Subglottic Leeches Detected by Gastroscopy
Guang-shun Lai1,2,*，Ai-qiang Deng2，Xue-jiao Liang3
1. Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Lianjiang, Guangdong, 524400 China. 2. Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Rongshui Miao Autonomous County, Guangxi, 545300 China. 3. Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, People’s Hospital of Rongshui Miao Autonomous County, Guangxi, 545300 China.
*, Correspondence Guang-shun Lai, Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Lianjiang, Guangdong, 524400 China. Email：[email protected]. Received: September 12, 2023; Accepted: March 1, 2024; Published online: June 8, 2024. Cite this paper: Guang-shun Lai, Ai-qiang Deng, Xue-jiao Liang. (2024) A Case of Subglottic Leeches Detected by Gastroscopy. Global Journal of Medicine, 5(1):31-35. http://naturescholars.com/gjm.050104. https://doi.org/10.46633/gjm.050104. Copyright© 2024 by Scholars Publishing, LLC.
Abstract
Leech infestations, caused by adaptable cold-blooded annelids, exhibit diverse clinical manifestations based on parasitic location and duration. Common in various Chinese provinces like Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan, leeches inhabit freshwater environments such as lakes and swamps. Infestations lead to symptoms like reversible hoarseness, hemoptysis, foreign body sensation, and dyspnea due to glottic disruption and bleeding. This case study demonstrates how to diagnose and treat patients with confusing symptoms who ingest leeches while working on the farm. Diagnosis involves merging clinical acumen, specialized tools, and contextual information. Gastroscopy’s role emerges as pivotal in diagnosis, resolving symptoms post-removal. This case underscores the importance of holistic diagnostic approaches and precise interventions to manage the complicated parasitic infestations effectively. This case highlights the complicated relationship between the patient’s symptoms, medical history, endoscopic findings, and effective treatment measures.
Keywords
Leeches; Gastroscopy.