A novel approach to spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma—a case report

Abstract Background Retropharyngeal hematoma is a rare but life-threatening situation and may require emergency tracheostomy or surgical drainage if the airway is compromised. We present a case of a retropharyngeal hematoma with shown active submucosal bleeding and describe the novel approach taken for compression and control of the hemorrhage. Case presentation A 76-year-old man presented to our institution complaining of dysphagia and pharyngeal discomfort hematoma since that morning. The laryngoscopy showed a hematoma of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx. A computerized tomography scan with contrast was done, demonstrating a collection in the retropharyngeal space, and a small active vessel could be identified. The patient was intubated, and compression was performed in the location of the retropharyngeal hematoma using the esophageal balloon of a Blakemore tube, with successful control of the active bleed. Conclusions Retropharyngeal hematoma can be fatal, and we present a unique solution that can be used to successfully stop the bleeding while avoiding more invasive strategies, by performing compression with a Blakemore esophageal balloon to stop the bleeding.