Retropharyngeal pseudomeningocele presenting as dysphagia after atlantooccipital dislocation.
OBJECTIVE
At the conclusion of this paper, the readers should be able to recognize a retropharyngeal pseudomeningocele as a potential complication of atlanto occipital dislocation.


OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate how a retropharyngeal pseudomeningocele may present as dysphagia in a patient who is recovering from atlanto occipital dislocation as well as to discuss the treatment options in this situation.


METHODS
Case report and literature review.


METHODS
Analysis of a case through medical record and literature review.


RESULTS
A retropharyngeal pseudomeningocele is a very rare complication of atlanto occipital dislocation. It may develop weeks after the initial injury and can present with respiratory or swallowing difficulties. Decompression via a ventriculoperitoneal or lumboperitoneal shunt facilitates resolution of the cerebral spinal fluid collection.


CONCLUSIONS
A retropharyngeal pseudomeningocele should be considered in all patients status post-atlanto occipital dislocation who are experiencing respiratory distress or dysphagia.
Cognetti
David M
DM
Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. david.cognetti@mail.tju.edu
Enochs
W Scott
WS
Willcox
Thomas O
TO
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D001269:Atlanto-Occipital Joint / Q000293:injuries*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008588:Meningocele / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D010614:Pharynx; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed