Korean J Pain.  2010 Sep;23(3):211-214. 10.3344/kjp.2010.23.3.211.

Spontaneous Retropharyngeal Hematoma: A Case Report

• Kang SS
• Jung SH
• Kim MS
• Hong SJ
• Yoon YJ
• Shin KM

• KMID: 1767887
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2010.23.3.211

Abstract

Spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma is rare and difficult to diagnosis early. A 23-year-old male spontaneously developed acute onset of neck pain, limitation of neck motion, and mild dysphagia. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated blood products in prevertebral space from C2 to C4, suggesting a diagnosis of retropharyngeal hematoma. We report a rare case of spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma causing neck pain.

Keyword

cervical; hematoma; prevertebral; retropharyngeal

MeSH Terms

Deglutition Disorders
Hematoma
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Neck
Neck Pain
Young Adult

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 (A) Initial lateral cervical spine radiograph shows increased thickness of prevertebral soft tissue: 8 mm at C3 and 10.5 mm at C4. (B) At the 5-day follow-up point, lateral cervical spine radiograph shows a normalization of shadow of prevertebral space: 4.5 mm at C3 and 6 mm at C4.

• 

  Fig. 2 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows retropharyngeal hematoma. (A) Sagittal T1 weighted image shows an intermediate signal intensity at the prevertebral space. (B) Sagittal T2 weighted image shows a high signal prevertebral collection with depth 5 mm and length 5 cm, spreading from C2 to C4. (C) Follow-up sagittal T2 weighted image shows a nearly completely absorbed prevertebral collection compared to initial MRI finding.

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