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Papers of the Week


2022 Nov


Cureus


14


11

Retropharyngeal Emphysema Following Local Palate Trauma.

Authors

AlEnazi AS, AlMuhanna Z JA, Alfaraj AS, Abduljabbar A AlKhawaja H, Altamimi SK, Alsaied AS, Ashoor M MS
Cureus. 2022 Nov; 14(11):e32029.
PMID: 36465197.

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.