Hypopharyngeal Rupture Following Indirect Neck Trauma due to a Car Accident in a 64-Year-Old Patient: A Case Report

Introduction: Hypopharyngeal rupture caused by indirect neck trauma is a rare but potentially life-threatening injury. Delayed diagnosis can lead to severe complications, highlighting the importance of clinical suspicion and appropriate imaging. Case Presentation: A 64-year-old male patient sustained indirect neck trauma following a car accident. He was initially transferred to the hospital with mild symptoms and was discharged. However, a few hours later, he returned to the emergency department with neck pain, odynophagia, and dysphagia. CT imaging revealed evidence of hypopharyngeal rupture accompanied by retropharyngeal emphysema. The patient was managed conservatively with Nil Per Os (NPO), intravenous antibiotics, and the placement of a nasogastric (NG) tube. He achieved full recovery without complications. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of thoroughly evaluating the relationship between clinical complaints and the mechanism of injury in patients with indirect neck trauma. High clinical suspicion, detailed history-taking, and appropriate imaging modalities are crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.