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Thrombosis of the internal carotid artery due to soft palate injury
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|August 1, 1989
Insights
Internal carotid artery thrombosis is a rare but serious complication of soft palate injuries. This case highlights the importance of recognizing this potential risk in pediatric patients following minor oral trauma.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Internal carotid artery (ICA) thrombosis is an uncommon vascular complication.
- Soft palate injuries are rarely associated with ICA thrombosis, with only 16 prior cases documented.
- This highlights a potential, albeit rare, link between seemingly minor trauma and major cerebrovascular events.
Observation:
- A 5 1/2-year-old boy sustained a minor soft palate laceration.
- Cerebral infarct with contralateral hemiparesis occurred 48 hours post-injury.
- This rare presentation underscores the potential for delayed neurological deficits.
Findings:
- The patient experienced a right cerebral infarct secondary to internal carotid artery thrombosis.
- Left hemiparesis was the primary neurological deficit observed.
- The case adds to the limited literature on soft palate injury-induced ICA thrombosis.
Implications:
- This case emphasizes the need for heightened clinical suspicion for vascular complications after soft palate injuries, even if seemingly trivial.
- Prompt recognition and management are crucial for favorable neurological outcomes in pediatric patients.
- Further research into the mechanisms and risk factors for this rare complication is warranted.
Abstract:
Thrombosis of the internal carotid artery is a rare complication of soft palate injury, only 16 cases having been previously documented. We present the case of a 5 1/2 year-old-boy who sustained an apparently trivial laceration to the right aspect of the soft palate. However, 48 hours after injury, a right cerebral infarct occurred with subsequent left hemiparesis. On supportive and rehabilitative management he made a good recovery over a period of one year.