Spontaneous Epiglottic Hematoma Secondary to Supratherapeutic Anticoagulation

Abstract EN

Hemorrhage into the soft tissues of the airway represents a potentially life-threatening complication of long-term anticoagulation.

We report the case of a chronically anticoagulated 37-year-old male who developed a spontaneous hematoma of the epiglottis secondary to a supra-therapeutic INR.

Epiglottic hematoma should be considered in the differential of any anticoagulated patient presenting with upper airway compromise.

The airway should be secured in a controlled fashion, and the coagulopathy should be rapidly corrected.