EPIGLOTTIC ABSCESS

Background. Epiglottitis is more commonly seen in children less than 6 years of age, although this entity has also been well described among adults. A coalescence of infection of the epiglottis, or epiglottic a bscess, has been infrequently reported in series of epiglottitis. Risk factors for epiglottic abscess include adult age at onset, diabetes, and the presence of a foreign body. Methods. Case study. Results. We p resent a case of a woman with a 4-day history of febrile illness, odyn ophagia, and an altered voice. Clinical examination and computed tomog raphy (CT) demonstrated an epiglottic abscess. The patient underwent d irect laryngoscopy, intubation, drainage of abscess, and intravenous a ntibiotics. Conclusions. The diagnosis of epiglottic abscess should be considered in adult patients initially seen with odynophagia and dysp honia. Principles of treatment include airway management, antibiotics, and surgical drainage. (C) 1995 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.