A Case of Retropharyngeal Hematoma Caused by Cervical Hyperextension Injury in a Patient Taking Clopidogrel

抄録

Retropharyngeal hematoma is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition because of the risk of upper airway obstruction. Herein, we described a case of retropharyngeal hematoma after a minor trauma that caused the neck to be hyperextended in a patient taking clopidogrel. A woman in her seventies fell from a standing height and hit her face causing a hyperextension injury to her neck. She was diagnosed with airway obstruction, and orotracheal intubation was performed. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a retropharyngeal hematoma. She was managed conservatively, and a tracheostomy was performed six days after the injury. Repeated computed tomography scans showed shrinkage of the hematoma, hence, the tracheostomy tube was removed. She was discharged 27 days after the injury. This case report indicates that health care providers should be aware of the risk of airway obstruction after a minor trauma that may cause the neck to be hyperextended. Because patients with predisposing factors of bleeding and hyperextension injury on their neck are more likely to have a retropharyngeal hematoma, assessment using computed tomography is recommended.