Keep an Eye and an Airway on New Oral Anticoagulants- Spontaneous Retropharyngeal Hematoma in a Patient with Chronic Renal Failure

Spontaneous retropharyngeal hemorrhage can be rapidly fatal, potentially leading to airway obstruction and significant blood loss if not identified and managed promptly. We report a unique case of patient with chronic renal failure presenting with spontaneous retropharyngeal hemorrhage on a new agent anticoagulant as well as providing a current review of the literature. This case aims to increase awareness of this potentially fatal condition. We question the commonly held view by clinicians that minimal monitoring and reduced risk of hemorrhage is a key advantage of new oral agent anticoagulants.