For citations: Inkina A.V. Posttraumatic retropharyngeal hematoma: clinical case. Golova I Sheya Head and neck. Russian Journal. 2018;6(3):39–43 (in Russian).
Doi: 10.25792/HN.2018.6.3.39–43
Retropharyngeal hematoma (RPH) is an accumulation of blood in the retropharyngeal space, a potentially lifethreatening condition due to the possible compression of the airways with the stenosis development. RPH can be divided into post-traumatic and spontaneous. The most common etiological factors are closed neck injury, as well as foreign bodies in the alimentary tract. Possible iatrogenic causes include instrumental damage during direct laryngoscopy, endotracheal intubation, endoscopy, and cervical spine surgery. The other causes of spontaneous RPH may also be anticoagulants use, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, carotid aneurysm, and coagulopathy. Patients with RPH may complain of neck pain, trismus, dysphonia, dysphagia, drooling, hemoptysis, and shortness of breath. The main diagnostic method is x-ray examination (lateral radiography or CT scan of the neck), as well as MRI. Treatment of RPH requires an urgent interdisciplinary approach. Ensuring adequate airflow is the first step and should be provided before any surgical intervention. After the restoration of airway patency, two treatment options are available: active surgical tactics and observation.
Key words: retropharyngeal hematoma, retropharyngeal space.
Author declare no conflict of interests for this article. Source of financing. Unspecified.
For citations: Inkina A.V. Posttraumatic retropharyngeal hematoma: clinical case. Golova I Sheya Head and neck. Russian Journal. 2018;6(3):39–43 (in Russian).
The authors are responsible for the originality of the data presented and the possibility of publishing illustrative material such as tables, figures, photographs of patients.