Dysphagia and airway compromise as a result of retropharyngeal haematoma following undiagnosed odontoid peg fracture: a case report

Abstract

Airway compromise following a cervical spine injury is an unusual cause of respiratory distress. We describe a patient who developed a retropharyngeal haematoma that caused dysphagia, dysarthria and acute airway compromise seven days following a fall, with no other signs of cervical spine injury. The patient was found to have a type 2 fracture through the junction of the odontoid peg and body of C2 with an associated prevertebral haematoma and soft tissue oedema. Later, the patient developed stridor and required an emergency orotracheal intubation and admission to the intensive care unit. As presented in this case report, cervical fracture can result in mechanical airway compromise with an associated retropharyngeal haematoma and prevertebral soft tissue oedema. In elderly patients with a minor history of falls one should always think of possible fractures and appropriate investigations should be carried out. Retropharyngeal haematomas secondary to cervical spine fractures require a prompt multidisciplinary approach and appropriate management of both the airway and cervical spine. Joint care from the orthopaedic, anaesthetic, and ear, nose and throat teams is necessary.