Clinical Challenge 2: March, 2015

The Resolution

Diagnosis: Epiglottitis.

The film (Figure 2) demonstrates the classic thumbprint sign associated with epiglottitis. There has been a recent resurgence of cases of this condition that was largely eliminated in the vaccine era. Vaccine avoidance because of concern over adverse effects has been identified as one contributor. Early airway management and emergency transfer are indicated when there is an underlying systemic abnormality.