An Epiglottic Pyogenic Granuloma Presenting with Spontaneous Hemoptysis

Conclusions: This case report represents the only documented case of a pyogenic granuloma arising from the epiglottis. This is a rare but potentially lifethreatening situation as bleeding from this site is difficult to control and may lead to airway compromise. Assessment of the airway and surgical excision are necessary for prevention of recurrent episodes of supraglottic bleeding. PG are most commonly found on the skin and very rarely in the gastrointestinal tract, with the exception of the oral cavity. Oral PG predominantly develop on gingival tissue (61%)6, particularly on the anterior maxilla. Based on a review of the literature, our case represents the first reported case of a pyogenic granuloma arising on the epiglottis. Another interesting aspect of this case is the lack of an identifiable trigger leading to the development of this PG. The patient underwent surgery for cardiac stent placement approximately one year prior to presentation. PGs typically develop over the course of weeks to a few months and are most likely to bleed while in the early stages of development, when they are most vascular. This makes it unlikely that intraoperative trauma (e.g. during intubation) would lead to development of a pyogenic granuloma this long after the inciting event.