Acute inflammatory disease of the epiglottis is a clinical entity which is encountered rather infrequently. There are several types, which will be described. REVIEW OF LITERATURE The literature on abscesses and acute inflammations of the epiglottis is difficult to analyze because of the fact that many cases are recorded under the classification of "abscess of the larynx." In studying the case reports in most articles on laryngeal abscess, it becomes readily apparent that considerably more than one half of all such abscesses are epiglottidean. Brown (1893) reported 2 cases of laryngeal abscess, in 1 of which puncture revealed a localized abscess of the epiglottis. He cited Mackenzie, who found involvement of either the epiglottis or the aryepiglottic folds in 9 of 13 cases of laryngeal abscess. Semon (1895) delivered an address in which he championed the etiologic and pathologic identity of all inflammatory diseases of the pharynx and of the