title: Impending asphyxia induced by anticoagulant therapy.
abstract: A case is presented of spontaneous haemorrhage into the floor of the mouth occurring in a patient receiving anticoagulants. Spread of interstitial haematoma to the submucosal tissues of the pharynx and larynx caused respiratory embarrassment necessitating a tracheostomy. The genesis and management of such a problem are discussed, and it can be appreciated that close co-operation between the otolaryngologist, haematologist and anaesthetist is essential.
mesh_terms: D000074:Acenocoumarol / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001237:Asphyxia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D006472:Oral Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D014140:Tracheotomy
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D000074:Acenocoumarol