Tongue abscess: a rare occurrence possibly mimicking angioedema

Despite the popularity of tongue piercing in recent years, the finding of a tongue abscess is considered extremely rare by international literature. The few available reports refer to a situation generally well documented objectively, posing problems of differential diagnosis for cancer, metastases, cysts, foreign bodies, intraparenchymal hemorrhage, macroglossia and edema of various origins. An acute enlargement of the tongue can be difficult to diagnose especially if there are no mucosal breaks or inflammation, and it may obstruct the upper airway and be a clinical challenge. Here we report a case observed in our emergency department which, at presentation, seemed suggestive for an angioedema.