Retropharyngeal Hematoma due to Oral Warfarin Usage

Ibrahim TOKER; Ozge DUMAN ATILLA; Murat YESILARAS; Burcu URSAVAS

doi:10.5505/1304.7361.2014.25594

Ibrahim TOKER, Ozge DUMAN ATILLA, Murat YESILARAS, Burcu URSAVAS

Department of Emergency Medicine, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir

Keywords: Emergency department; retropharyngeal hematoma; warfarin overdose

Abstract

Retropharyngeal hematoma due to anticoagulant usage is a rare, life-threatening situation which must be immediately diagnosed and treated. Immediate control of the airway and coagulopathy are the bases of treatment management. Patients often respond to conservative treatment but occasionally urgent tracheostomy and endotracheal intubation may be necessary. We presented a case of retropharyngeal hematoma secondary to warfarin usage in a 49-year-old male.