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Diphtheria: a case report

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 April 2008

I Khodaei ,
A Sinha  and
A Dingle
I Khodaei*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Leighton Hospital, Crewe, UK
A Sinha
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Leighton Hospital, Crewe, UK
A Dingle
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Leighton Hospital, Crewe, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr I Khodaei, 6 Coleridge Dr, Newferry, Wirral CH62 5JT, UK. E-mail: [email protected]
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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.

Keywords

DiphtheriaAirway Obstruction
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 122 , Issue 12 , December 2008 , pp. 1397 - 1400
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2008

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