An Unusual Cause of Hemoptysis: Leech in the Supraglottic Region of the Larynx

Abstract

Leeches live in fresh water and moist terrestrial environments. Most infestations are cutaneous. However, internal infestation occurs principally in the rural parts of the Mediterranean countries as well as in Africa and Asia. Thus,the possibility of leech endoparasitism should be kept in mind for a patient presenting with hemoptysis and with a history of close contact with fresh water in tropical countries. Human infestation is rare and usually occurs after consumption of contaminated water or swimming in leech-infested still waters such as lakes and dams. Herein, we report 2 live leech cases with hemoptysis in the supraglottic region of the larynx.