Article Text
Abstract
We present an unusual case of spontaneous cervical haemorrhage secondary to extra-capsular bleeding from a parathyroid adenoma. Signs and symptoms on presentation included sore throat, dysphagia and anterior chest ecchymosis. While CT confirmed active cervical haemorrhage, elevated serum calcium and parathyroid hormone raised suspicion of possible parathyroid pathology. This case report and literature review highlight the diagnostic value of serum calcium in presentations of acute spontaneous neck haematoma. This should be considered especially in the acute phase, where imaging may not identify the source of haemorrhage. Initial observation and deferred surgery is the treatment of choice, with emergency operative management reserved for respiratory distress and worsening compressive symptoms.
- otolaryngology/ENT
- head and neck surgery
- calcium and bone
Statistics from Altmetric.com
Footnotes
Contributors All authors were responsible for the care of the patient. MZ was responsible for writing up the case report and literature review, while RS and AP reviewed the final paper and obtained consent from the patient.
Funding This study was funded by Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent for publication Obtained.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.