Acute edema of the uvula (Quincke's disease) has been reported rarely in the literature.1 Uvular enlargement frequently accompanies pharyngitis and tonsillitis and has been reported to coexist with epiglottiditis.2 Quincke's disease can occur alone in an otherwise well patient who initially has a feeling of fullness in the throat and a muffled voice, but no accompanying pain or fever.
There have been incidental reports of uvular enlargement occurring spontaneously or secondary to endotracheal intubation in adults,3 but it is not a condition that is commonly seen in the pediatric age group. Although this entity is diagnosed infrequently, it is important that we be aware of its existence in children, and for this reason, we describe our patient.
Report of a Case.—A 17-year-old boy came to the emergency room with the feeling of a lump in his throat and indistinct speech that had persisted for 12 hours.