AbstractObjective:We present an unusual case of parapharyngeal cerebrospinal fluid collection causing upper airway obstruction following a temporal bone fracture.Method:Case report and literature review of temporal bone fracture associated with parapharyngeal cerebrospinal fluid collection.Results:A 19-year-old man presented with cerebrospinal fluid otorrhoea and temporal bone fracture following a head injury. He was discharged after 48 hours of observation. The patient returned within 6 hours with sudden unilateral neck swelling and stridor after blowing his nose. Flexible nasendoscopy and computed tomography showed extrinsic compression of the pharynx, with partial upper airway obstruction. A literature review using Pubmed™ and Medline™ identified no previously reported cases of parapharyngeal cerebrospinal fluid collection associated with temporal bone fracture.Conclusion:This case illustrates a previously undescribed complication of temporal bone fracture. Raised intracranial pressure in the presence of a cerebrospinal fluid fistula may lead to airway obstruction, following temporal bone fracture.
Longitudinal temporal bone fracture with incudo-malleolar dislocation
