Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We reviewed the mechanism of injury, presentation, and evaluation of children with trauma to the lateral oropharynx. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a retrospective review of patients in an urban pediatric emergency department with trauma to the lateral oropharynx over a 5-year period. RESULTS. Forty-eight patients were identified with documented injuries of the lateral oropharynx placing the internal carotid artery at risk of injury. The average age was 42 months, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1. Seventy-seven percent of patients had a documented neurologic examination. Examinations were normal in all cases. Computed tomography scans were obtained in 14 patients, identifying 3 patients with carotid abnormalities. Angiography subsequently diagnosed intimal injuries in 2 of the 3 patients. There were no known cases of neurovascular compromise. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced computed tomography may be an effective screening examination in this patient population, helping to determine which children should be admitted for angiography and observation.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 783-787 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery |
Volume | 128 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2003 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Otorhinolaryngology