Publication Name	World Journal of Clinical Cases
Manuscript ID	126715
DOI	10.12998/wjcc.126715
Country	China

Category	Parasitology
Manuscript Type	Observational Study
Article Title	Clinical characteristics and seasonal patterns of nasal leech infestation: A retrospective case series
Manuscript Source	Unsolicited Manuscript
All Author List	Lian Huang, Wuna Shama, Lei Li, Juan Ran, Erda Aku, Jian Zou, Yu Zhao and Lei Lei
Funding Agency and Grant Number	Funding Agency Grant Number Sichuan Provincial Department of Science and Technology 2024YFFK0360
Corresponding Author	Lei Lei, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, No. 37 Guoxuexiang, Wuhou District, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China. leilei@wchscu.cn
Key Words	Nasal leech infestation; Epistaxis; Live foreign body; Seasonal distribution; Nasal endoscopy
Core Tip	Nasal leech infestation is a rare but important cause of persistent unilateral epistaxis, particularly in children living in rural mountainous regions with freshwater exposure, as found in this retrospective case series. In addition, cases tended to cluster during summer and early autumn. Nasal endoscopy enabled accurate diagnosis and complete removal in all cases without general anesthesia, transfusion, or hospitalization. Therefore, maintaining clinical suspicion of nasal leech infestation and performing prompt endoscopic evaluation may prevent significant bleeding and other complications.
Citation	Huang L, Shama W, Li L, Ran J, Aku E, Zou J, Zhao Y, Lei L. Clinical characteristics and seasonal patterns of nasal leech infestation: A retrospective case series. World J Clin Cases 2026; In press DOI: https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.126715
PDF	126715-in-press.pdf

Received	2026-08-11 05:55
Peer-Review Started	2026-08-11 05:56
First Decision by Editorial Office Director
Return for Revision	2026-09-01 11:19
Revised	2026-09-19 13:17
Publication Fee Transferred
Second Decision by Editor	2026-10-22 03:01
Second Decision by Editor-in-Chief
Final Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-10-22 09:04
Articles in Press	2026-10-22 09:04
Edit the Manuscript by Language Editor
Typeset the Manuscript

ISSN	2307-8960 (online)
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