Severe Airway Obstruction due to Massive Retropharyngeal Hematoma in a Warfarin-Taking Patient with a Normal International Normalized Ratio
Warfarin is used as part of the treatment of various diseases, and laboratory monitoring of its effects is required. Airway hematoma secondary to warfarin is rare, but can be fatal because of potential airway obstruction. Rapid definitive airway establishment is crucial if airway obstruction is susp...
Saved in:
Published in | Daehan oe'sang haghoeji Vol. 34; no. 1; pp. 57 - 60 |
---|---|
Main Authors | , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | Korean |
Published |
대한외상학회
31.03.2021
|
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
Cover
Loading…
Summary: | Warfarin is used as part of the treatment of various diseases, and laboratory monitoring of its effects is required. Airway hematoma secondary to warfarin is rare, but can be fatal because of potential airway obstruction. Rapid definitive airway establishment is crucial if airway obstruction is suspected. This complication is more likely to occur in those with elevated coagulation laboratory values. However, we experienced a patient in whom a massive retropharyngeal hematoma caused airway obstruction after a non-severe motor vehicle collision. The patient had been taking warfarin, and had coagulation parameter values within the normal ranges. A major fracture or hemorrhage was not anticipated. Upon examination, a massive retropharyngeal hematoma was noted. Orotracheal intubation failed due to an airway obstruction. Emergency tracheostomy and an operation for hematoma removal were performed. Physicians must always consider the possibility of airway hematoma in warfarin-taking patients with normal coagulation values regardless of the severity of mechanism of injury. |
---|---|
Bibliography: | The Korean Society of Traumatology KISTI1.1003/JNL.JAKO202112054772762 |
ISSN: | 1738-8767 2799-4317 2287-1683 |