[Severe upper airway obstruction due to retropharyngeal haematoma formation following cervical trauma].
Mechanical airway obstruction secondary to retropharyngeal bleeding is rare. In most cases such a complication is described after head and neck trauma. Complicating factors include anticoagulant therapy, tumour, aneurysm, infection or major cervical spine injury. A precise initial diagnosis is necessary to avoid a life-threatening situation. Lateral X-ray and computed tomography is essential for safe management.Treatment depends upon size of the haematoma as well as the clinical course of the patient. Smaller haematomas may be observed. Lager haematomas and those that fail to reabsorb should undergo drainage.
Haarmann
Stephan
S
Ruhr Universität Bochum, Universitätsklinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Plastische Gesichtschirurgie, Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum Langendreer, ,In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany.
Budihardja
Andi Setiawan
AS
Mücke
Thomas
T
Schwaegerl
Christian
C
Wolff
Klaus Dietrich
KD
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D003422:Critical Care; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006406:Hematoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D014139:Tracheostomy; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy