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Spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma: two cases and a review of the literature

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

H. K. Al-Fallouji*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham.
D. G. Snow
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham.
M. J. Kuo
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham.
P. J. E. Johnson
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham.
*
Mr H. K. Al-Fallouji, F.R.C.S.Ed., New Doctor's Flats 4, St Margarets Hospital, Epping, Essex CM 16 6TN.

Abstract

Retropharyngeal haemorrhage is a rare condition. The classical picture is described as a triad of features; superior mediastinal obstruction, anterior displacement of the trachea on a plain X-ray of the neck and subcutaneous bruising appearing on the neck and spreading on to the chest wall (Sandor and Cooke, 1964). Two cases are reported here, neither of which had mediastinal compression. The available literature is summarized.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1993

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