Case report of recurrent epistaxis caused by a live leech in the nasal cavity

Abstract

Rationale: Epistaxis is one of the common emergencies in otolaryngology. There are many causes of epistaxis, but reports of epistaxis due to nasal foreign bodies like leeches are rare. Patient concerns: A 55-year-old male presented with “repeated epistaxis for over 20 days.” Nasal endoscopy revealed a live leech in the olfactory area of the left nostril. Diagnoses: The patient was diagnosed with epistaxis caused by a live leech in the nasal cavity. Interventions: Under nasal endoscopy, the leech was grasped with a vascular clamp and removed from the nasal cavity. The leech measured 8 cm in length. Hemostasis was achieved using a gelatin sponge at the wound site, and the nasal cavity was packed with Vaseline gauze. Outcomes: The live leech was removed via nasal endoscopy. Two days later, the Vaseline gauze packing was removed, and the patient experienced no further nasal bleeding. Conclusion: Live leeches in the nasal cavity can cause epistaxis. Nasal endoscopic removal of the live leech is an effective treatment. Lesson: There are many causes of epistaxis, which are nonspecific and prone to missed or incorrect diagnosis. In patients with a history of fieldwork or direct contact with leeches who present with recurrent nasal bleeding, the possibility of epistaxis caused by a live leech should be considered, and timely and effective treatment should be provided.