A Rare and Unusual Cause of Recurrent Hemoptysis: Alive Intratracheal Leech Infestation

Abstract

Hemoptysis is defined as blood expectoration from below the vocal cords. Foreign bodies inhaled or consumed can be the cause of hemoptysis. Among alive foreign objects, leech infestation happens via drinking infested bodies of water. Leech infestation in the airway might be the cause of serious complications naming dysphonia, stridor, hemoptysis, choking, respiratory distress, and foreign body sensation. Although intratracheal leech infestation has been rarely reported, in the current case, a 79-year farmer presented recurrent non massive hemoptysis. Via fiberoptic bronchoscopy, a live leech was found in the trachea of the patient and with the use of lidocaine the leech was removed. In order to avoid such incidences, governments play an important role in building and repairing infrastructures regarding sanitary water and meanwhile educating and informing their population about sanitary water consumption.