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HOME > J Korean Soc Traumatol > Volume 18(2); 2005 > Article
A case of retropharyngeal hematoma induced by whiplash injury
Journal of Trauma and Injury 2005;18(2):179-183
DOI: https://doi.org/
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Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Dongguk University

Whiplash injury commonly seen in automobile accident. This type of acceleration-deceleration injury may rarely lead to unfavorable outcomes as in the case of retropharyngeal hematoma. Because this lesion has the possibility of compressing the potential airway acutely or gradually, not only the rapid assessment and treatment but also closed observation are needed. We report a case of a 20-year-old man, who sustained a whiplash injury from contact with the headrest of his seat after his car was involved in a rollover. He had no symptom except posterior neck pain initially, but complained odynophagia and acute dyspnea after 10 hours of admission. The diagnostic work-up comprising lateral radiograph, CT imaging disclosed the rare constellation of a retropharyngeal hematoma with cervical spine fractures. Medical treatment and close observation were sufficient for the patient because he had no progressive dyspnea or major dysphagia.

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