Citation

Anagnostara A, Athanassopoulou A, Kailidou E, Markatos A, Eystathidis A, Papageorgiou S. Emerg. Radiol. 2005; 11(3): 145-149.

Affiliation

Department of Radiology, Asklipiion Hospital, V. Pavlou 1, 16673 Voula-Athens, Greece. a_anagnostara@hotmail.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16028318

Abstract

Whiplash injury commonly results in cervical spine trauma. We report a case of a 58-year-old man, who sustained a whiplash injury from contact with the headrest of his seat after his car was involved in a rear-end collision. He presented with sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing and progressing dyspnea. The diagnostic work-up comprising lateral radiograph, CT and MR imaging disclosed the rare constellation of a retropharyngeal hematoma and prevertebral edema without further injury of the cervical spine structures. Compression of the upper airways was evident. A careful history and an appropriate diagnostic approach are essential for the work-up and management of such a life-threatening situation.

Language: en