Traumatic pharyngeal perforation secondary to a syndesmophyte

Radiologia (Engl Ed). 2019 May-Jun;61(3):259-261. doi: 10.1016/j.rx.2018.10.007. Epub 2018 Nov 28.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

We report the case of a 57-year-old man who presented at the emergency department with injuries to his face and head after falling down the stairs. A head computed tomography examination done because he complained of an intense headache revealed air bubbles in the retropharyngeal space. Given this finding, a computed tomography of the neck was done to evaluate the possibility of pharyngeal perforation. Traumatic pharyngeal perforations are uncommon, but those caused by the calcification of the anterior longitudinal ligament, as in our case, are even more uncommon.

Keywords: Faringe; Perforación; Perforation; Pharynx; Sindesmofito; Syndesmophyte; Trauma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Conservative Treatment
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage
  • Emphysema / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Hypopharynx / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ossification, Heterotopic / complications
  • Ossification, Heterotopic / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pharynx / diagnostic imaging
  • Pharynx / injuries*
  • Rupture / diagnostic imaging
  • Rupture / etiology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Contrast Media