An unusual cause of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in children

Abstract EN

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children usually results from peptic ulcer disease or esophagitis.

However, human Hirudiniasis (leech) involving throat and larynx, after drinking infested water from quiet streams or pools, can cause severe bleeding.

We report a case of a five year old female who presented with hematemesis and pallor at the emergency room.

The girl unfortunately drank leech infested water in a rural area in Jordan.

Removal of the leech resulted in prompt resolution of the symptoms.

Although laryngeal Hirudiniasis is rare, it remains a possible cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and it is fatal if not recognized and treated.