Author: Aaron Lessen, MD

Educational Pearls:

• Injuries from penetrating pharyngeal trauma are often subtle on examination in children
• Potentially serious complications including carotid artery injury, mediastinitis from spreading infection, or airway compromise from hematoma formation
• Imaging choice is typically CTA to assess for vascular injuries
• These injuries may require antibiotics

References:

Zonfrillo MR, Roy AD, Walsh SA. Management of pediatric penetrating oropharyngeal trauma. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2008 Mar;24(3):172-5. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0b013e3181669072. PubMed PMID: 18347498.

Sasaki T, Toriumi S, Asakage T, Kaga K, Yamaguchi D, Yahagi N. The toothbrush: a rare but potentially life-threatening cause of penetrating oropharyngeal trauma in children. Pediatrics. 2006 Oct;118(4):e1284-6. PubMed PMID: 17015515.

Summary by Travis Barlock, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD