Oct 27, 2018
Author: Aaron Lessen, MD
Educational Pearls:
- Injuries from penetrating pharyngeal trauma are often subtle on examination in children
- Potentially serious complications including carotid artery injury, mediastinitis from spreading infection, or airway compromise from hematoma formation
- Imaging choice is typically CTA to assess for vascular injuries
- These injuries may require antibiotics
References:
Zonfrillo MR, Roy AD, Walsh SA. Management of pediatric penetrating oropharyngeal trauma. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2008 Mar;24(3):172-5. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0b013e3181669072. PubMed PMID: 18347498.
Sasaki T, Toriumi S, Asakage T, Kaga K, Yamaguchi D, Yahagi N. The toothbrush: a rare but potentially life-threatening cause of penetrating oropharyngeal trauma in children. Pediatrics. 2006 Oct;118(4):e1284-6. PubMed PMID: 17015515.
Summary by Travis Barlock, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD