Spontaneous submental hematoma, a pseudo-Ludwig's phenomenon in 101-year-old patient: case report and literature review

Isolated sublingual hematoma post internal carotid artery stenting for internal carotid artery stenosis in high-risk patients as uncommon and rare misadventure: A case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Isolated sublingual hematoma is a rare complication seen in trauma, severe uncontrolled hypertension, dental operations, bleeding diathesis, and the use of dual antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents. In advanced and neglected cases, a sublingual hematoma may interfere with the patient's airway, causing suffocation and fatal airway obstruction. Our objective was to present a case of iatrogenic isolated sublingual hematoma in a 70-year-old business man, heavy smoker with a history of hypertension. Furthermore, to report the literature review, and to organize treatment strategies to reduce the rate of progression of the hematoma. In addition to recommend or advice a strategic plan to prevent this complication during carotid stenting.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case report has been reported in line with the SCARE Criteria. We represented a case report of an iatrogenic isolated mild/moderate sublingual hematoma in a 70-year-old business man. This hematoma developed as one of the rare complications of endovascular internal carotid artery revascularization because of injury to the sublingual branch of the lingual artery during wire manipulations or its advancement. This hematoma was treated by conservative treatment without any intervention.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Immediately after internal carotid artery stenting procedure, the patient developed a sudden onset of painful swelling in the floor of the mouth. The hematoma showing ecchymotic submucosal swelling underneath the tongue in the floor of the mouth. If it became enlarged, it may push the tongue against the palate and blocking the airway, causing serious airway obstruction. Fortunately, the swelling is isolated (has no extension to any side) and limited to the root and middle third of the tongue but, not extending to its tip. Its development most probably due to injured atherosclerotic sublingual branch of the lingual artery during the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The first step in management should be prompt airway management. Conservative treatment took place without any further intervention. To date, there is no consensus about the management regarding the hematoma itself. Mostly, clinicians start with observation for spontaneous resolution. When conservative treatment is not appropriate, surgical intervention must be performed. However, electively secure the airway is the main objective for treatment.

Angioedema, ACE inhibitor and COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, binds to the ACE2 receptors. ACE2 is thought to counterbalance ACE in the renin-angiotensin system. While presently it is advised that patients should continue to use ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, questions still remain as to whether adverse effects are potentiated by the virus. Here, we report a case of a 57-year-old man, unknowingly with COVID-19, who presented to the emergency department with tongue swelling, shortness of breath and difficulty in speaking following 4 months taking benazepril, an ACE inhibitor. Finally, we also describe possible pathways that exist for SARS-CoV-2 to interact with the mechanism behind angioedema.

Idiopathic spontaneous sublingual hematoma: a case report and literature review

PURPOSE

Sublingual hematoma is a rare complication seen in bleeding disorders, trauma, dental procedures, and the use of anticoagulants. Only a few publications have described idiopathic spontaneous sublingual hematoma, and all of them suspected severe hypertension as etiology. Our objective is to present a case of idiopathic spontaneous sublingual hematoma in a 48-year-old patient without any medical history of hypertension and to perform a literature review on this subject.

METHODS

Case report presentation based on information extracted from the electronic patient database of Ghent University Hospital including a literature review of sublingual hematoma.

RESULTS

This case report describes a 48-year-old male patient presenting with a spontaneous sublingual hematoma, which needed to be treated with an urgent tracheotomy. Drainage of the old hematoma followed 11 days later. He was not known with hypertension or any bleeding disorder. Clinical examination using fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy, a CT scan, MRI scan, and biopsy of the sublingual salivary gland showed no focus for etiology.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical work-up is necessary to look for a cause of a spontaneous sublingual hematoma. Idiopathic spontaneous hematoma is only a rare entity. Aggressive airway management should be the first step in treatment. To date, there is no consensus about the management regarding the hematoma itself. Mostly, clinicians start with observation for spontaneous resolution of the hematoma and when possible to treat causative factors. Surgical drainage is performed when conservative treatment is not sufficient.

Case report: Traumatic lingual hematoma

We describe a case of traumatic lingual hematoma in a patient on dual antiplatelet therapy. After securing the airway, bilateral lingual artery embolization successfully halted expanding hematoma formation. Patient subsequently required tracheostomy for continued airway edema. Although patient course was wrought with postoperative complications, we review this case to illustrate how prompt hematoma evacuation and embolization can resolve significant vasovagal bradycardia and hypotension secondary to expansile lingual hematoma.