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A spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma: a suspected side-effect of indomethacin

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 August 2021

E Crossley ,
S Goldie ,
J Kirkby-Bott  and
W Hellier
E Crossley*
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, Southampton, England, UK
S Goldie
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, Southampton, England, UK
J Kirkby-Bott
Affiliation:
Department of General Surgery, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, England, UK
W Hellier
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, Southampton, England, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Miss Eleanor Crossley, Department of ENT, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Tremona Road, SouthamptonSO16 6YD, UK E-mail: eleanor.crossley@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Background

Retropharyngeal haematomas are most commonly associated with trauma and anti-coagulant use. This paper describes the first reported case of a spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma suspected to be due to indomethacin use.

Case report

It is proposed that the combination of indomethacin affecting platelet aggregation, alongside the patient coughing, may have led to this retropharyngeal haematoma.

Conclusion

The complexities of management are discussed and the current literature reviewed. In the absence of airway compromise or a rapidly enlarging haematoma, patients can be managed conservatively with observation and close discussion with the haematology department. Follow-up imaging is not necessary if the patient's symptoms settle; however, any increase in parathyroid hormone levels must be investigated to exclude a parathyroid adenoma.

Keywords

HematomaIndomethacinAnti-Inflammatory AgentsNon-SteroidalNeck Pain
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 135 , Issue 11 , November 2021 , pp. 1031 - 1034
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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Footnotes

Miss E Crossley takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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