Evaluation of pediatric lateral oropharyngeal trauma.
OBJECTIVE
We reviewed the mechanism of injury, presentation, and evaluation of children with trauma to the lateral oropharynx. Study design and setting We conducted a retrospective review of patients in an urban pediatric emergency department with trauma to the lateral oropharynx over a 5-year period.


RESULTS
Forty-eight patients were identified with documented injuries of the lateral oropharynx placing the internal carotid artery at risk of injury. The average age was 42 months, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1. Seventy-seven percent of patients had a documented neurologic examination. Examinations were normal in all cases. Computed tomography scans were obtained in 14 patients, identifying 3 patients with carotid abnormalities. Angiography subsequently diagnosed intimal injuries in 2 of the 3 patients. There were no known cases of neurovascular compromise.


CONCLUSIONS
Contrast-enhanced computed tomography may be an effective screening examination in this patient population, helping to determine which children should be admitted for angiography and observation.
Ratcliff
Daniel J
DJ
Department of Otoraryngology-Head and neck Surgery and Pediatrics, University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9035, USA.
Okada
Pamela J
PJ
Murray
Alan D
AD
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009960:Oropharynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging