Korean J Leg Med.  2007 May;31(1):89-91.

Sudden death due to epiglottic abscess

• Yang KM
• Jung NE
• Kim JK
• Kang SM

Abstract

Acute epiglottitis is a local bacterial infection of the supraglottic area. Epiglottitis is generally caused by organisms which invoke an inflammatory response that develops rapid obstructive edema. The disease rarely progresses to abscess stage, either because medical intervention is sought or death by asphyxiation ensues. A 38-year-old, mentally ill but physically healthy woman died of airway obstruction caused by acute epiglottitis forming an abscess. She died unexpectedly and suddenly showing only minor nonspecific symptoms.

Keyword

acute epiglottitis; epiglottic abscess; sudden death

MeSH Terms

Abscess*
Adult
Airway Obstruction
Bacterial Infections
Death, Sudden*
Edema
Epiglottitis
Female
Humans
Mentally Ill Persons