Point-of-care ultrasound in lingual hematoma

Abstract

Isolated tongue hematoma following direct trauma to face is not a common finding. It can cause life-threatening airway obstruction and needs prompt diagnosis and early intervention. We report the case of a 40-year-old male who presented to our hospital with a large tongue swelling after a fall. Bedside point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) of the tongue revealed a hematoma. This case highlights the use of POCUS for early diagnosis of tongue hematomas.

Keywords

• airway
• lingual artery
• point-of-care ultrasound
• tongue hematoma