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Delayed signs and symptoms after oropharyngeal trauma in a child
Tal Bar1, Amram Zagury, Oded Nahlieli
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel 78306.
Insights
Minor oropharyngeal injuries can cause dangerous internal carotid artery thrombosis, leading to stroke. Prompt surgical intervention, including endarterectomy and thrombectomy, is crucial for managing these life-threatening conditions.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Vascular Surgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Oropharyngeal injuries, even minor ones, pose a significant risk of serious vascular complications.
- Intravascular thrombosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA) can be a delayed and life-threatening consequence of oropharyngeal trauma.
Observation:
- A case is presented where a seemingly innocuous oropharyngeal injury led to extensive thrombus formation.
- The thrombus extended from the internal carotid artery into the intracranial circulation, presenting a critical neurological emergency.
Findings:
- The patient developed a life-threatening thrombus originating from the internal carotid artery following a minor oropharyngeal injury.
- Surgical management involving endarterectomy and thrombectomy was successfully performed to restore blood flow and remove the clot.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical need for vigilance in assessing oropharyngeal injuries, regardless of apparent severity.
- Early recognition and intervention for internal carotid artery thrombosis secondary to oropharyngeal trauma are vital for preventing devastating neurological outcomes.
Abstract:
Injury to the oropharynx can be potentially life threatening. Innocent-looking injuries of the oropharynx may result in intravascular thrombosis of the internal carotid artery. The symptoms often appear some time after the initial injury. We present a case in which an apparently minor injury of the oropharynx developed into a life-threatening thrombus stretching from the internal carotid to the brain. Our patient underwent endarterectomy and thrombectomy. The case is presented with a review of the literature.