Surgical Management of a Traumatic Retropharyngeal Hematoma in a Patient on Dual Antiplatelet Therapy: A Case Report

J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2024 May;82(5):595-599. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2024.01.017. Epub 2024 Feb 3.

Abstract

The authors present a case report of a 73-year-old male on dual antiplatelet therapy with a retropharyngeal hematoma after a motor vehicle accident. We highlight the clinical, radiographic manifestations, and surgical management of retropharyngeal hematomas, especially on an initially asymptomatic patient. Additionally, we demonstrate the importance of establishing a secure airway early on, and multidisciplinary collaboration to maximize patient outcomes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic*
  • Aged
  • Aspirin / adverse effects
  • Aspirin / therapeutic use
  • Clopidogrel / therapeutic use
  • Dual Anti-Platelet Therapy
  • Hematoma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Hematoma* / etiology
  • Hematoma* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pharyngeal Diseases* / surgery
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors* / adverse effects
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Clopidogrel
  • Aspirin