Acquired Hemophilia A: Rare Cause of Upper Airway Hematoma and a Literature Review

• Published in: Indian journal of otolaryngology, and head, and neck surgery Vol. 75; no. 4; pp. 3886 - 3888
• Main Authors: Lim, Chee Chean, Ling, Siew Wei, Vijayan, Kumareysh Vijay, Lee, Ming Jun, Devesayaham, Philip Rajan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Delhi Springer India 01.12.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Clinical Report; Head and Neck Surgery; Hematology; Hematoma; Hemophilia; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Otorhinolaryngology; Acquired hemophilia A; Laryngeal hematoma; Larynx; Factor VIII deficiency
• ISSN: 2231-3796; 0973-7707
• DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-03943-7

Background: Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare blood disorder with high morbidity and even mortality as severe bleeding can occur in up to 90% of affected patients. Unlike congenital hemophilia which presents with intra-articular bleeding, acquired hemophilia causes bleeding into the skin, muscle, mucous membranes and soft tissues. Case presentation: We report an unusual case of upper airway hematoma in a 61-year-old man who presented with acute onset dysphagia and shortness of breath. There were bruises on his neck and blood clots on the floor of mouth when he was examined. Endoscopic examination revealed an extensive laryngeal hematoma. A prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) prompted us to investigate for factor VIII deficiency leading to the diagnosis of AHA. He recovered completely after a treatment regime instituted by the hematology team without suffering any grave debilitating events. Conclusion: AHA with laryngeal hematoma is a rare condition with only a handful of cases reported. Although a life-threatening disease, it is easily reversed with early recognition and administration of medical therapy involving the hematology team.