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Case Reports
. 2022 Nov 29;14(11):e32029.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.32029. eCollection 2022 Nov.

Retropharyngeal Emphysema Following Local Palate Trauma

Abdulaziz S AlEnazi  1 , Zahraa Jumah A AlMuhanna  2 , Aqeelah S Alfaraj  3 , Hussain Abduljabbar A AlKhawaja  4 , Sarah K AlTamimi  5 , Abdulmalik S Alsaied  6 , Mona MohammedSaleh Ashoor  7
Affiliations
Case Reports

Retropharyngeal Emphysema Following Local Palate Trauma

Abdulaziz S AlEnazi et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Retropharyngeal emphysema (RPE) is a condition that occurs when air is trapped in the retropharyngeal space. It is a rare condition that is either spontaneous or secondary to various etiologies. A case of a three-year-old patient with retropharyngeal emphysema secondary to local palate trauma was presented to King Fahd Hospital of the University. The patient was further investigated by flexible nasopharyngoscopy; however, it showed no additional complications. The patient was admitted to the hospital and managed conservatively with analgesia and antibiotics. Lateral neck X-ray showed complete resolution of retropharyngeal emphysema a few days after admission. The patient was discharged on oral antibiotics and a follow-up after one week was arranged. Upon follow-up, the patient's condition improved with no further complications.

Keywords: emphysema; oropharyngeal trauma; palate trauma; retropharyngeal emphysema; retropharyngeal space.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Lateral soft tissue radiography of the neck demonstrates a linear radiolucent line representing air in the retropharyngeal space
Figure 2
Figure 2. Day two: lateral soft tissue radiography of the neck showed improvement, however, there was incomplete resolution of the retropharyngeal air
Figure 3
Figure 3. Day three: lateral soft tissue radiography of the neck showed complete resolution of the retropharyngeal air
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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