Unusual case of choking due to assassin bug (Cydnocoris gilvus)

Choking is a form of asphyxia which is caused by an obstruction within the air passages. Here, we report a case of obstruction of the upper respiratory tract due to assassin bug ( Cydnocoris gilvus) where allegations of medical negligence were made by relatives of the deceased. Autopsy findings demonstrated that an insect was present inside the larynx, lodged at the epiglottis. Multiple haemorrhagic patches were present at the base of the tongue, larynx, epiglottis, vocal cords and tracheal bifurcation. As Reduviidae can be successfully used as a biological pest-control agents, they should be used with due precaution.

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Development of Agranulocytosis after Discontinuation of Methimazole: An Unusual Case

Case Reports in Endocrinology ◽

10.1155/2015/974524 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-3 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Rıfkı Üçler ◽

Murat Atmaca ◽

Ömer Candar ◽

Murat Alay ◽

Burhan Göy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Effect ◽

Tract Infection ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Respiratory Tract Infection ◽

Clinical Improvement ◽

Unusual Case ◽

Antithyroid Drugs ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Empirical Antibiotic Treatment ◽

Upper Respiratory

Agranulocytosis is a rare and critical adverse effect of antithyroid drugs (ATD). The occurrence of agranulocytosis in continuous ATD treatment patients is well known; however, a case of ATD agranulocytosis occurring following the discontinuation of methimazole (MMI) treatment is not a usual situation. We herein describe a case of a 41-year-old woman who was previously administered methimazole (MMI) for ten days and developed ATD-induced agranulocytosis and symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection after three weeks following discontinuation of MMI treatment. A thorough hematologic and serological evaluation did not disclose an alternative cause for the agranulocytosis. After receiving empirical antibiotic treatment, she responded successfully with clinical improvement of her symptoms and resolved neutropenia on the seventh day. This case is atypical because agranulocytosis developed after discontinuation of MMI, which strengthens the importance of remaining alert for signs of agranulocytosis even after discontinuation of ATD treatment.

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Cervicofacial actinomycosis presenting as acute upper respiratory tract

The Journal of Laryngology & Otology ◽

10.1017/s0022215100128178 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 108 (9) ◽

pp. 801-803 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Dimitris G. Balatsouras ◽

Antonios K. Kaberos ◽

Panayotis N. Eliopoulos ◽

Dimitris Kandiloros ◽

Costas N. Economou

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Tract ◽

Airway Obstruction ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Microscopic Examination ◽

Unusual Case ◽

Upper Airway ◽

Prolonged Treatment ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Surgical Drainage ◽

Upper Respiratory

AbstractAn unusual case of cervicofacial actinomycosis presenting as acute upper airway obstruction and demanding urgent tracheostomy is reported. Diagnosis was established by microscopic examination of the pus and culture of Actinomyces israelii. Repeated surgical drainage of the purulent foci and prolonged treatment with penicillin obtained resolution of the disease. Clinicians dealing with acute head and neck swellings should always consider actinomycosis as a possible diagnosis.

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