Journal Published Online: 01 April 1979
Volume 24, Issue 2

Acute Epiglottitis (Supraglottitis)

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Acute inflammation and edema of the epiglottis is a catastrophic illness, often leading to a sudden and unexpected asphyxia. Many victims die too quickly for medical attention or receive improper medical assistance. This report presents seven cases of fatal epiglottitis from a coroner's autopsy service (Table 1). None of the victims had been hospitalized. Six victims had sought medical assistance. The cases stress the fulminant course and the difficult diagnosis of acute epiglottitis. Accurate records on the incidence of acute epiglottitis may be supplemented by coroner-medical examiners' investigations. Failure to examine the epiglottis during the postmortem examination may disguise the true incidence of this disease.

Author Information

Rivers, RL
Jefferson County, Birmingham, Ala.
Pages: 3
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS10854J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10854J