Medical and legal management of adult acute epiglottitis.

A case of acute epiglottitis without prior treatment in a 64-year-old hypertensive alcoholic male is reported. A correct diagnosis was made in the emergency room and tracheostomy deferred as airway seemed adequate. A trial course of medical therapy under close observation was felt indicated. A detailed history up to the time of death, 8 hours after admission, will be presented as well as the findings at post mortem. Nine months later the executor of the estate filed a $2 million malpractice suit against the defendant doctor and the defendant hospital for wrongful death. A pretrial deposition was held followed by an offer to settle. This was refused and a trial date set in Superior Court. One week before trial another offer to settle was made by the plaintiff for $12,500 from each of the two defendants. This offer was accepted.