# A Case of an Unusual Presentation of Hemoptysis: Oropharyngeal Leech

## TL;DR

A 36-year-old man had blood-stained sputum caused by a leech in his throat, highlighting the need for better diagnostic criteria.

## Contribution

The case introduces a rare cause of hemoptysis and stresses the importance of standardized diagnostic protocols.

## Key findings

- A leech was found in the oropharynx of a patient presenting with hemoptysis.
- The patient's symptoms resolved after removal of the foreign body.
- The case underscores the need for improved diagnostic and surveillance methods.

## Abstract

We report a case of a 36-year-old male who presented with a complaint of blood-stained sputum for 15 days. The patient gave a history of drinking from a contaminated pool. On examination, there were blood streaks on the posterior pharyngeal wall. The patient’s vital and baseline blood investigations were within normal limits. On direct laryngoscopy under general anesthesia, a greenish-black foreign body was found moving in the oropharynx and was taken out by heated Magill forceps. It was identified as a leech. Through this case, we emphasize the need for well-set diagnostic criteria that can not only enhance the reporting of such cases but can also be used as a surveillance tool by the public health authorities.