The Journal of Laryngology & Otology

Table of Contents - 2008 - Volume 122, Issue 12  

Clinical Records

Diphtheria: a case report

I Khodaeia1 c1, A Sinhaa1 and A Dinglea1

a1 Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Leighton Hospital, Crewe, UK

Abstract

Objective: We report a case of diphtheria in an elderly patient, with a fatal outcome.

Method: Case report and a review of the literature concerning the current recommended guidelines on detection of, and response to, diphtheria.

Results: Although still rare, cases of diphtheria are being reported with increasing frequency in the UK, possibly as a result of immigration and travel. A high index of suspicion, rapid detection of carriers, and instigation of treatment and vaccination are the mainstays of management.

Conclusion: Diphtheria can mimic other forms of acute upper airway obstruction and can lead to a fatal outcome. Otorhinolaryngological surgeons need to consider this re-emergent disease as a potential diagnosis in patients with an unusual presentation of airway obstruction.

(Accepted November 20 2007)

(Online publication April 23 2008)

Key words

Correspondence:

c1 Address for correspondence: Mr I Khodaei, 6 Coleridge Dr, Newferry, Wirral CH62 5JT, UK. E-mail: imankhodaei@tiscali.co.uk

Footnotes

Mr I Khodaei takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper.

Competing interests: None declared

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