Document Detail


Occult pharyngeal perforation secondary to 'pencil injury'.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  8949311     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Palatopharyngeal injuries due to impaction of rigid objects held in the mouth are common. Most are essentially innocuous injuries requiring no specific treatment. However, there is the potential for perforation of the pharyngeal wall with the subsequent development of serious infection such as retropharyngeal abscess or mediastinitis. This possibility is more likely to be suspected in the presence of a visible laceration or puncture wound at the site of impact in the mouth or pharynx. We report three cases in which occult pharyngeal perforation occurred without any clinical signs of breech of the pharyngeal wall. In all cases a lateral soft tissue neck X-ray was diagnostic of perforation, showing the presence of retropharyngeal air. We, therefore, advocate the routine performance of soft tissue neck X-rays in all patients who present with a history of falling on a rigid object held in the mouth.
Authors:
D A Smyth; J Fenton; C Timon; D P McShane
Publication Detail:
Type:  Case Reports; Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  The Journal of laryngology and otology     Volume:  110     ISSN:  0022-2151     ISO Abbreviation:  J Laryngol Otol     Publication Date:  1996 Sep 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  1997-01-14     Completed Date:  1997-01-14     Revised Date:  2004-11-17    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8706896     Medline TA:  J Laryngol Otol     Country:  ENGLAND    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  901-3     Citation Subset:  AIM; IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, National Children's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adolescent
Child, Preschool
Female
Humans
Male
Pharynx / injuries*,  radiography*
Wounds, Penetrating / radiography*

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