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Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2013; 17(04): 413-414
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1351680
Case Report
Thieme Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Human Syngamosis as an Uncommon Cause of Chronic Cough

Janaína Oliveira Bentivi Pulcherio
1   Department of Otorhinolaringology, Central Hospital of Military Police of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
,
Eduardo Oliveira Machado da Silva
1   Department of Otorhinolaringology, Central Hospital of Military Police of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
,
Daniela Pereira Rezende
1   Department of Otorhinolaringology, Central Hospital of Military Police of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
,
Patrícia Bittencourt Barcia Barbeira
1   Department of Otorhinolaringology, Central Hospital of Military Police of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
,
Rosane Siciliano Machado
1   Department of Otorhinolaringology, Central Hospital of Military Police of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
,
Marcos Aurélio Baptista de Oliveira
1   Department of Otorhinolaringology, Central Hospital of Military Police of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

28 December 2012

20 February 2013

Publication Date:
13 September 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Introduction Chronic cough may represent a diagnostic challenge. Chronic parasitism of upper airways is an unusual cause.

Objective To describe a case of human syngamosis as an uncommon cause of dry cough.

Case Report An endoscopic exam performed in a woman suffering of chronic cough revealed a Y-shaped worm in the larynx identified as Syngamus laryngeus.

Discussion This nematode parasitizes the upper respiratory tract of many animals including humans. The diagnosis is performed by the examination of the worm expelled by cough or by endoscopy. Endoscopic exam is easy to perform and is essential in the diagnosis of causes of chronic cough, even uncommon entities. Removal is the only efficient treatment.

Keywords

cough - parasites - larynx
 

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