Work

Herpes Simplex Virus Laryngitis Presenting as Airway Obstruction

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are a rare cause of laryngitis leading to an unusual complication of airway obstruction. Diagnosis is often delayed owing to nonspecific symptoms and the need for direct laryngoscopy, which reveals mass-like, nodular or ulcerative lesions with extensive edema. Biopsy of lesions done to rule out malignancy unexpectedly reveals characteristic viral cytopathic effects leading to diagnosis of HSV laryngitis. Due to delayed diagnosis, life-threatening complications of airway obstruction can occur requiring emergent endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy. We describe a rare case of HSV laryngitis presenting as a laryngeal mass causing airway obstruction.

Source: Annals of Internal Medicine Clinical Cases

DOI: 10.7326/aimcc.2026.0163

Authors: Jyoti Samant, Charitha Karanam Ramapathy, Binay Kshetree, Areej Rahman, Samuel G. Borak

Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham

Language: English

Topic: Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7225155126

FWCI:

Cites: 13

Cited by:

Related to: 10