Retropharyngeal haematoma causing airway obstruction: a multidisciplinary challenge

Sandooram, D; Chandramohan, Apsara; Radcliffe, G.

doi:10.1258/0022215001906552

Cited by 18 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…The initial symptoms of airway obstruction include dyspnea, stridor, hoarseness, dysphagia, painful swallowing, neck pain, and neck swelling (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9). Because evaluating the size of the retropharyngeal hematoma from the outside of the body is difficult, the quickest and easiest way to diagnose this condition is to obtain a lateral cervical spine plain radiograph (10). When patients suspected of having a cervical spine injury show symptoms of airway obstruction, a lateral cervical spine plain radiograph should be promptly obtained.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sudden Asphyxia Caused by Retropharyngeal Hematoma after Blunt Thyrocervical Artery Injury

Iizuka

Morita

Otsuka

et al. 2012

The Journal of Emergency Medicine

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sudden Asphyxia Caused by Retropharyngeal Hematoma after Blunt Thyrocervical Artery Injury

Iizuka

Morita

Otsuka

et al. 2012

The Journal of Emergency Medicine

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“…Eighteen cases of retropharyngeal haematoma secondary to oral anticoagulation have been previously reported [ 6 ]-[ 13 ]. Bleeding may be spontaneous or occur after minor trauma such as falls [ 8 , 12 , 13 ]. Haematomas in the retropharyngeal space can expand rapidly causing obstruction of the pharynx, larynx, oesophagus and trachea.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Retropharyngeal haematoma – an unusual bleeding site in an anticoagulated patient: a case report

Srivastava

Solanki

2008

Cases Journal

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Introduction: Anticoagulation is used widely for the primary prevention of embolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation. Bleeding is the most common complication with oral anticoagulation. We describe the case of a patient who developed a massive retropharyngeal haematoma after a fall. Whilst the retropharyngeal space is an uncommon site for bleeding complications, it is clinically important as the development of upper airway obstruction may be life threatening.

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“…The incidence of airway obstruction resulting from retropharyngeal hematomas is low, but its occurrence can be life threatening [2,4,7]. …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Severe upper airway obstruction due to delayed retropharyngeal hematoma formation following blunt cervical trauma

et al. 2007

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BackgroundWe report a case of severe upper airway obstruction due to a retropharyngeal hematoma that presented nearly one day after a precipitating traumatic injury. Retropharyngeal hematomas are rare, but may cause life-threatening airway compromise.Case presentationA 50 year-old man developed severe dyspnea with oropharyngeal airway compression due to retropharyngeal hematoma 20 hours after presenting to the emergency department. The patient also had a fractured first cervical vertebra and was diagnosed with a left brachial plexopathy. The patient underwent emergent awake fiberoptic endotracheal intubation to provide a definitive airway.ConclusionRetropharyngeal hematoma with life-threatening airway compromise can develop hours or days after a precipitating injury. Clinicians should be alert to the potential for this delayed airway collapse, and should also be prepared to rapidly secure the airway in this patient population likely to have concomitant cervical spinal or head injuries.

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Retropharyngeal haematoma causing airway obstruction: a multidisciplinary challenge

Abstract: A case of post-traumatic retropharyngeal haematoma causing airway obstruction in an elderly man on anticoagulant therapy is described. The importance of managing the airway, cervical spine and haemostatic problem with the help of a multidisciplinary team is discussed.

Cited by 18 publications

References 4 publications

Sudden Asphyxia Caused by Retropharyngeal Hematoma after Blunt Thyrocervical Artery Injury

Sudden Asphyxia Caused by Retropharyngeal Hematoma after Blunt Thyrocervical Artery Injury

Retropharyngeal haematoma – an unusual bleeding site in an anticoagulated patient: a case report

Severe upper airway obstruction due to delayed retropharyngeal hematoma formation following blunt cervical trauma

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