Death related to epiglottitis

This report presents a case of epiglottitis-related death occurring in a middle-aged diabetic man. He initially presented to an emergency department with complaints of a sore throat and bilateral ear pain. Although a quick test forStrep pneumoniae was negative, the work-up was not extensive enough to exclude epiglottitis. He was discharged with a prescription for a decongestant and instructed to drink plenty of fluids. He subsequently collapsed in respiratory distress while waiting to fill his prescription at a pharmacy. He was admitted to the hospital and eventually diagnosed with anoxic brain injury, dying 4  days following his initial presentation. Autopsy disclosed gross and microscopic features of acute epiglottitis, which was considered the underlying cause of death. Awareness of epiglottitis and its risk factors is essential in identifying the proper diagnosis clinically. Characteristic findings a t autopsy can confirm the diagnosis.
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research