Submandibular gland injury and delayed airway compromise caused by a seat belt.
Isolated blunt injury to the submandibular gland (SMG) is rare owing to the protection afforded by the overlying mandible. Like other causes of submandibular swelling, glandular trauma can lead to life-threatening airway compromise, and this possibility should be considered in patients presenting with acute pain and fullness in the jaw and neck after trauma. We describe a patient with SMG disruption caused by a seat belt shoulder strap, discuss the diagnosis and treatment, and present a review of the literature.
Harbison
John Michael
JM
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA.
Page
Matthew Philip
MP
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000293:Adolescent; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012622:Seat Belts / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013363:Submandibular Gland / Q000293:injuries*; D013364:Submandibular Gland Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents