Monkeypox presenting as supraglottitis in an immunocompromised patient. Issue 2 (3rd February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Amos, Dora; Collins, Jennifer; Walker, David T
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 16:Issue 2(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02-03
• Subjects: Infectious diseases -- HIV / AIDS -- Public health -- HIV / AIDS -- Otolaryngology / ENT; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-252213
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : We describe a young man with AIDS who presented to the ear, nose and throat team with a severe sore throat mimicking supraglottitis. He had a 3-day history of sore throat, hoarse voice, fevers and myalgia. On examination, he had cervical lymphadenopathy and profuse pus overlying his right tonsil. On flexible nasoendoscopy, this pus was seen to track down to the supraglottis, with associated mucosal ulceration. The patient was treated for supraglottitis and he improved. 24 hours postadmission, a pustule suspicious for monkeypox developed on the patient's hand. The diagnosis was confirmed by PCR testing. The patient was isolated and treated supportively and recovered fully. This case highlights that monkeypox may present with a severe sore throat without cutaneous lesions. Monkeypox is a growing public health concern . Its early symptoms are non-specific and healthcare professionals should be alert to it.