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Spontaneous sublingual haematoma: a rare entity
Mohamed A Bitar1, Mohammad A Kamal, Lorice Mahfoud
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine & Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. mb36@aub.edu.lb
BMJ Case Reports
|June 7, 2012
Summary
Spontaneous sublingual haematoma, a rare condition, can cause airway obstruction. This case report highlights a life-saving tracheotomy in an elderly patient, with rapid recovery and no recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Sublingual haematoma (pseudo-Ludwig phenomenon) typically occurs in patients on anticoagulation.
- Spontaneous sublingual haematoma is a rare variant, often associated with elderly, hypertensive individuals and potential arterial aneurysms.
Observation:
- The authors report the third case of spontaneous sublingual haematoma.
- The patient presented with sudden sore throat, progressing to dyspnea, indicating potential airway compromise.
- Unlike previous reports, this patient was afebrile.
Findings:
- A life-saving tracheotomy was required due to rapid airway obstruction.
- The patient experienced a swift postoperative recovery and was discharged within days.
- No recurrence of the sublingual haematoma was observed during a 1-year follow-up.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of prompt recognition and management of spontaneous sublingual haematoma, even in afebrile patients.
- Early intervention, such as tracheotomy, can be life-saving and lead to favorable outcomes.
- Further research into the etiology of spontaneous sublingual haematoma in the elderly is warranted.
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