Expanding Prevertebral Soft Tissue Swelling Subsequent to a Motor Vehicle Collision. (26th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ryan, Matthew F.; Meurer, David; Tyndall, J. Adrian
• Other Names: Imanaka Kazuhito Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in emergency medicine. Volume 2014(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-06-26
• Subjects: Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; Emergency Medicine; Emergency medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; Case Reports; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.025
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/870580
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-648X

Abstract

Abstract : Cervical acceleration/deceleration or whiplash injuries are a common cause of cervical spine trauma. Cervical acceleration/deceleration can result in vertebral fractures, subluxations, and ligamentous and other soft tissue injuries. Severe injuries are often evidenced by increased prevertebral swelling on lateral X-ray. Assessment of the prevertebral space on lateral cervical spine films is an essential component for identifying potential traumatic neck injuries. We describe a case in which an 84-year-old man on coumadin presented to the emergency department after a low-impact motor vehicle crash. The patient initially complained of neck and shoulder pain which subsequently progressed to hoarseness, dysphagia, and dyspnea. Imaging studies revealed significant prevertebral tissue swelling with anterior compression of his airway that required airway stabilization via awake fiber-optic intubation and reversal of his anticoagulation therapy.