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Research Article Open access CC BY 4.0

A Tough Pill to Swallow- Spontaneous Retropharyngeal Hematoma: A Rare and Unusual Complication of Rivaroxaban Therapy

Ali Naqvi, Dalia Hawwass, Arnold Seto

Cardiology and Angiology: An International Journal · pp. 156–159 · Published 27 Nov 2015

10.9734/CA/2015/22666

Abstract

Aims: We present the first case of a patient that developed a spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma as a complication of rivaroxaban therapy. Case Presentation: A 49-year-old Caucasian male with chronic atrial fibrillation on rivaroxaban presented to the hospital with a rapidly expanding spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma. He required emergent intubation for airway protection and subsequently was treated with catheter-directed embolization and surgical evacuation. Discussion: Our report presents a case of a spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma on rivaroxaban therapy. Unfortunately, most patients with this complication typically present with insidious symptoms including mild neck pain and ear ache, and as a result the diagnosis can easily be overlooked. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that physicians maintain a high index of suspicion, as early recognition and appropriate therapy can reduce morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: This case highlights a rare but life-threatening hemorrhagic complication of rivaroxaban therapy.

Retropharyngeal hematoma rivaroxaban atrial fibrillation

References (6)

  1. 1 Oral rivaroxaban versus standard therapy for the treatment of symptomatic venous thromboembolism: a pooled analysis of the EINSTEIN-DVT and PE randomized studies [DOI]
  2. 2 Effect of non-specific reversal agents on anticoagulant activity of dabigatran and rivaroxaban [DOI]
  3. 3 Anticoagulation and spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma [DOI]
  4. 4 Rivaroxaban (xarelto) for the prevention of thromboembolic disease: an inside look at the oral direct factor xa inhibitor.
  5. 5 Retropharyngeal haematoma – an unusual bleeding site in an anticoagulated patient: a case report [DOI]
  6. 6 Spontaneous Anterior Neck Hematoma Associated With Rivaroxaban Leading to Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Hypercalcemia [DOI]

Cited by 1

Retropharyngeal Hematoma as an Unusual Presentation of Myelodysplastic Syndrome: A Case Report

E. Fox, V. Manchala · The American journal of case reports · 2018

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