RETROPHARYNGEAL HEMATOMA LEADING TO AIRWAY-OBSTRUCTION IN A CHILD WITH CLOSED-HEAD TRAUMA

Retropharyngeal haematoma is a rare complication of head trauma that h as been chiefly reported in adults, particularly in the elderly. A cas e is presented of retropharyngeal haematoma in a 13-year-old child fol lowing closed head trauma. Acute upper airway obstruction resulted, re quiring tracheal intubation. Surgical drainage of the haematoma was no t required and the trachea was successfully extubated on the third day . The case presented serves to remind practitioners that this complica tion of closed head injury may occur in children and strategies for ai rway management are discussed.