Spontaneous Epiglottic Hematoma Secondary to Supratherapeutic Anticoagulation

• Published in: International Journal of Otolaryngology Vol. 2010; no. 2010; pp. 20 - 22
• Main Authors: Orvidas, Laura J., Saleh, Amy M., Olsen, Steven M., Koch, Cody A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cairo, Egypt Hindawi Limiteds 01-01-2010; Hindawi Puplishing Corporation; Hindawi Publishing Corporation
• Subjects: Case Report
• ISSN: 1687-9201; 1687-921X
• DOI: 10.1155/2010/201806

Hemorrhage into the soft tissues of the airway represents a potentially life-threatening complication of long-term anticoagulation. We report the case of a chronically anticoagulated 37-year-old male who developed a spontaneous hematoma of the epiglottis secondary to a supra-therapeutic INR. Epiglottic hematoma should be considered in the differential of any anticoagulated patient presenting with upper airway compromise. The airway should be secured in a controlled fashion, and the coagulopathy should be rapidly corrected.