Retropharyngeal Hematoma Secondary to Minor Blunt Trauma Neck: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Introduction Traumatic retropharyngeal hematoma is rare, but can be lethal, if not identified and managed promptly. It isclinically important because of the close proximity of the retropharyngeal space to the upper airway. Case report A case of upper airway obstruction in a 75 year old man due to a large retropharyngeal hematoma following minor injury to neckis presented.Progressive dysphagia, hoarseness and dyspnoea developed over time. Emergency tracheostomy and subsequent surgical drainage was performed. Conclusion Retropharyngeal hematoma is a rare but potentially lethal problem that can be faced in an emergency department. Clinicians should be alert to the potential occurrence of this cause of acute or delayed airway collapse. Thus, an awareness of the possibility of airway obstruction secondary to massive hematoma formation after an asymptomatic interval is needed.

Keywords

• Hematoma
• Tracheostomy
• Hoarseness
• Deglutition disorders/etiology
• Dyspnea