Traumatic retropharyngeal hematoma: a rare and critical pathology needed for early diagnosis

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2005 Sep;262(9):713-5. doi: 10.1007/s00405-004-0767-3. Epub 2005 Aug 19.

Abstract

Retropharyngeal hematoma occurs rarely. It is located just in front of the cervical spine. Many circumstances can lead to its development. A trauma and/or anticoagulants are often key factors. The assessment must be made extremely carefully as such a hematoma can induce an airway compromise. Trauma being a key factor, it can also present with cervical spine fractures, increasing the risks. Two different cases of retropharyngeal hematomas are reported. The first case required surgical management with tracheotomy, per-oral drainage and naso-gastric tube feeding. A total recovery was obtained in 2 weeks. The second patient underwent medical treatment (methylprednisolone), and recovery was obtained in 6 days. Surgery for retropharyngeal hematoma is not always mandatory. It becomes necessary when a major dysphagia or dyspnea occurs. In other cases, medical treatment and close observation are usually sufficient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Airway Obstruction / etiology*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drainage
  • Enteral Nutrition
  • Hematoma / complications*
  • Hematoma / diagnosis
  • Hematoma / drug therapy
  • Hematoma / etiology
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Gastrointestinal
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Neck Injuries / complications*
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / complications*
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / drug therapy
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / etiology
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tracheostomy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Methylprednisolone