Deep Neck Space Infection as a Complication of Transesophageal Echocardiogram for Atrial Flutter Ablation

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Procedures
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a valuable diagnostic tool in cardiology.
• While generally safe, TEE carries a risk of rare but serious complications.
• Potential injuries include trauma to the hypopharyngeal or parapharyngeal walls.

Observation:

• A patient undergoing cardioversion experienced multiple attempts at transesophageal echocardiography.
• These repeated TEE procedures resulted in trauma to the pharyngeal walls.
• The trauma led to the development of a hypopharyngeal-parapharyngeal abscess.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates a direct link between multiple TEE attempts and the formation of a deep neck abscess.
• The abscess required significant medical intervention and contributed to a prolonged hospital stay.
• This complication underscores the importance of careful technique during TEE.

Implications:

• Clinicians should be aware of the potential for pharyngeal wall injury during TEE, especially with multiple attempts.
• Prompt recognition and management of suspected TEE-related infections are crucial.
• This case emphasizes the need for vigilance regarding rare complications of common cardiac procedures.