2025 Volume 71 Issue 1 Pages 43-48
Pharyngeal trauma is more common in preschool and 1- to 2-year-old children who are still developing their walking function and are more likely to occur when they fall while using an object than in others. In many cases, superficial damage to the pharyngeal mucosa is limited and can be treated with follow-up. However, depending on the direction and depth of penetration of the injured site or instrument, an abscess may form after emphysema. We herein report a case of mediastinal emphysema after pharyngeal trauma in a child. A 1-year-old boy was diagnosed with pharyngeal injury when brushing his teeth and was examined for symptoms of moodiness and nausea. At the time of the examination, a fever and mild redness of the pharynx were observed, and no mucosal damage was observed in the pharyngeal fibers. However, computed tomography revealed extensive emphysema from the parapharyngeal space to the mediastinum. After hospitalization, emphysema improved with conservative treatment. Pharyngeal trauma in children is common on a daily basis. Even if the disease is thought to be mild in the early stages, mediastinal emphysema and abscess formation may occur later and rapid deterioration of respiratory conditions may occur, requiring ventilator management and surgery. Computed tomography was able to be performed regardless of the symptoms in this case to facilitate an early treatment start and prevention of disease severity.
