Two Cases of Traumatic Retropharyngeal Hematoma with Airway Stenosis

Abstract

Retropharyngeal hematoma is characterized by the formation of a hematoma in the retropharyngeal space following trauma or the like. Because of the anatomical features of that region, a hematoma in the retropharyngeal space can easily spread and lead to airway stenosis. Therefore, appropriate diagnosis and prompt treatment is important.

Case 1: A 57-year-old man was referred to our department with dyspnea that developed after he used an ab roller. We performed tracheal intubation immediately. Because we thought that the hematoma could increase in size rapidly, we performed surgical treatment. Case 2: An 85-year-old woman was referred to our department with a history of sustaining injuries when she fell down the stairs. We performed tracheal intubation in this case too. The hematoma resolved with conservative treatment.

Hematomas can be treated by surgery or conservative treatment. Surgical treatment is selected for hematomas that increase rapidly in size or when a hematoma does not improve within 2 weeks.