Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2008

Open Access 01-12-2008 | Case report

Spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma: a case report

Authors: Arvind Singh, Enyi Ofo, Vincent Cumberworth

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2008

Login to get access

Abstract

Introduction

Spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma is an unusual condition. It has multiple aetiological factors and can present to a number of specialists including the otolaryngologist.

Case presentation

We describe a case of spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma which demonstrates the dramatic presentation and emphasises the need for a conservative approach.

Conclusion

It is important to be aware of this unusual condition with its distinct presentation. Surgical intervention should be resisted unless a treatable aetiological factor is found or airway compromise occurs. Most cases will resolve with conservative management.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
1.
go back to reference Al-Fallouji HK, Snow DG, Kuo MJ, Johnson PJE: Spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma: two cases and a review of the literature. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 1993, 107: 649-50. 10.1017/S0022215100123990.CrossRef Al-Fallouji HK, Snow DG, Kuo MJ, Johnson PJE: Spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma: two cases and a review of the literature. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 1993, 107: 649-50. 10.1017/S0022215100123990.CrossRef
2.
go back to reference Stewart RW, Hardjasudarma M, Noll L, Mathews G, Davis R: Fatal outcomes of jugular vein cannulation. Southern Medical Journal. 1995, 88: 119-60.CrossRef Stewart RW, Hardjasudarma M, Noll L, Mathews G, Davis R: Fatal outcomes of jugular vein cannulation. Southern Medical Journal. 1995, 88: 119-60.CrossRef
3.
go back to reference Ophir D, Bartal N: Retropharyngeal haematoma following fishbone ingestion. Ear, Nose & Throat Journal. 1988, 67: 528-30. Ophir D, Bartal N: Retropharyngeal haematoma following fishbone ingestion. Ear, Nose & Throat Journal. 1988, 67: 528-30.
4.
go back to reference Owens DE, Calcaterra TC, Aarsted RA: The retropharyngeal haematoma. A complication of therapy with anti-coagulants. Archives of Otolaryngology. 1975, 101: 565-68.CrossRefPubMed Owens DE, Calcaterra TC, Aarsted RA: The retropharyngeal haematoma. A complication of therapy with anti-coagulants. Archives of Otolaryngology. 1975, 101: 565-68.CrossRefPubMed
5.
go back to reference MacKenzie JW, Jellicoe JA: Acute upper airway obstruction. Spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma in a patient with Polycythaemia Rubravera. Anaesthesia. 1986, 41: 57-60. 10.1111/j.1365-2044.1986.tb12705.x.CrossRefPubMed MacKenzie JW, Jellicoe JA: Acute upper airway obstruction. Spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma in a patient with Polycythaemia Rubravera. Anaesthesia. 1986, 41: 57-60. 10.1111/j.1365-2044.1986.tb12705.x.CrossRefPubMed
6.
go back to reference Kitchens CS: Retropharyngeal haematoma in a Haempohiliac. Southerm Medical Journal. 1977, 70: 1421-2. Kitchens CS: Retropharyngeal haematoma in a Haempohiliac. Southerm Medical Journal. 1977, 70: 1421-2.
7.
go back to reference Draper MR, Sandhu G, Frosch A, Clarke PM: Retropharyngeal haematoma causing acute airway obstruction – first presentation of metastatic carcinoma. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 1999, 113: 258-9. 10.1017/S0022215100143725.CrossRef Draper MR, Sandhu G, Frosch A, Clarke PM: Retropharyngeal haematoma causing acute airway obstruction – first presentation of metastatic carcinoma. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 1999, 113: 258-9. 10.1017/S0022215100143725.CrossRef
8.
go back to reference Jones TM, Owen GO, Morar P: Spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma attributable to Epstein-Barr virus infection. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 1996, 110: 1075-77. 10.1017/S0022215100135790.CrossRef Jones TM, Owen GO, Morar P: Spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma attributable to Epstein-Barr virus infection. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 1996, 110: 1075-77. 10.1017/S0022215100135790.CrossRef
9.
go back to reference Dingle AF, Clifford KM, Floor LM: The retropharyngeal haematoma: a diagnosis for concern?. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 1993, 107: 356-58.CrossRef Dingle AF, Clifford KM, Floor LM: The retropharyngeal haematoma: a diagnosis for concern?. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 1993, 107: 356-58.CrossRef
10.
go back to reference Ku P, Scott P, Kew QJ, Van-Hassel TA: Spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma in a parathyroid adenoma. The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Surgery. 1998, 68: 619-21. 10.1111/j.1445-2197.1998.tb02117.x.CrossRef Ku P, Scott P, Kew QJ, Van-Hassel TA: Spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma in a parathyroid adenoma. The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Surgery. 1998, 68: 619-21. 10.1111/j.1445-2197.1998.tb02117.x.CrossRef
11.
go back to reference Sandor F, Cooke RT: Spontaneous cervico-mediastinal haematoma. The British Journal of Surgery. 1964, 51: 682-6. 10.1002/bjs.1800510909.CrossRefPubMed Sandor F, Cooke RT: Spontaneous cervico-mediastinal haematoma. The British Journal of Surgery. 1964, 51: 682-6. 10.1002/bjs.1800510909.CrossRefPubMed
12.
go back to reference Paleri V, Maroju RS, Ali MS, Ruckley RW: Spontaneous retro- and parapharyngeal haematoma caused by intra-thyroid bleed. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 2002, 116: 854-8. Paleri V, Maroju RS, Ali MS, Ruckley RW: Spontaneous retro- and parapharyngeal haematoma caused by intra-thyroid bleed. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 2002, 116: 854-8.
Metadata
Title
Spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma: a case report
Authors
Arvind Singh
Enyi Ofo
Vincent Cumberworth
Publication date
01-12-2008
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-2-8

Other articles of this Issue 1/2008

Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2008 Go to the issue