Department of Clinical Sciences "L. Sacco", Milan, Italy.
Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2011 Feb;31(1):39-42.
Trans-oesophageal echocardiography is generally considered a safe procedure, but occasional life-threatening complications have been reported. The aim of this clinical investigation is to outline the need of surgical management in cases of large retro-pharyngeal haematoma following trans-oesophageal echocardiography. In the case reported here, a patient with cervical spondylosis on anti-coagulant therapy was referred to the Head and Neck Department because of a retro-pharyngeal haematoma with severe upper airway obstruction following transoesophageal echocardiography. Tracheotomy was required to guarantee respiratory function, while trans-cervical surgery was performed to evacuate the haematoma. Total recovery was achieved within 10 days. In conclusion, the head and neck surgeon should consider the need of surgical management in cases of retro-pharyngeal haematoma following trans-oesophageal echocardiography.
经食管超声心动图通常被认为是一种安全的程序，但偶尔也会发生危及生命的并发症。本临床研究的目的是概述在经食管超声心动图后出现大的咽后血肿时需要手术治疗的情况。在此报告的病例中，一名患有颈椎病且正在抗凝治疗的患者因经食管超声心动图后出现咽后血肿并伴有严重的上呼吸道梗阻而被转至头颈外科。需要进行气管切开术以保证呼吸功能，同时进行经颈手术以清除血肿。患者在 10 天内完全康复。总之，当经食管超声心动图后出现咽后血肿时，头颈外科医生应考虑手术治疗的必要性。
