Extensive Upper Airway Hematoma Secondary to Supratherapeutic Warfarin Anticoagulation

Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
Taofiq Olusegun Oyedokun, Kevin Manuel Durr

Abstract

A 63-year-old female presented to the emergency department complaining of cough, neck swelling, dysphagia, and dysphonia for two days, with a past medical history of atrial fibrillation managed with warfarin. Investigations revealed a supratherapeutic international normalised ratio (greater than 10). Imaging and endoscopic examination showed an extensive retropharyngeal hematoma with significant mass effect on the airway. A rare but potentially fatal complication of warfarin anticoagulation is upper airway hematoma, with violent coughing described as an inciting cause. Signs of airway compromise necessitate specialist consultation and definitive airway management, while mild cases without airway concerns can be managed conservatively with medical anticoagulation reversal.

References

May 15, 2003·The Journal of Emergency Medicine·David C BloomMichael A Keefe
Dec 30, 2015·North American Journal of Medical Sciences·Paras KarmacharyaRichard L Alweis

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Software Mentioned

EM
CPC

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly due to stroke and thromboembolism. Here is the latest research.

Atrial Filbrillation

Atrial fibrillation refers to the abnormal heart rhythm characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria. Here is the latest research.

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmias are abnormalities in heart rhythms, which can be either too fast or too slow. They can result from abnormalities of the initiation of an impulse or impulse conduction or a combination of both. Here is the latest research on arrhythmias.

Related Papers

International Journal of Otolaryngology
Cody A KochLaura J Orvidas
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
S R Williams
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
David C BloomMichael A Keefe
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved