Uvula Hematoma

A 36-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a sudden choking feeling, sore throat and difficulty swallowing immediately after eating dinner. He had no respiratory or gastrointestinal problems, and denied any history of allergy. An enlarged uvula and hematoma were observed (Picture). There was no swelling of the face and neck, or erythema of the overlying skin. Additionally, there was no laryngopharyngeal inflammation or swelling. Based on these findings we made a diagnosis of uvula hematoma. He had never taken antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents. His platelet count and activated thromboplastin time were normal. We found no foreign bodies in his mouth or larynx. The size of the patient's uvula did not increase for 3 hours. He was followed closely without therapy, and we advised him to avoid eating anything hard. The hematoma gradually disappeared within 1 month, and there was no recurrence. Uvula hematoma has been reported after antiplatelet therapy and endotracheal intubation (1). When uvula hematoma occurs without severe airway obstruction, anticoagulant medication and follow-up should be sufficient. Similar to other hematomas, uvula hematomas without active bleeding are usually reabsorbed into the body within a few weeks. Surgical or endoscopic procedures are rarely required when the airway is obstructed by an enlarged hematoma.

Picture.

The authors state that they have no Conflict of Interest (COI).