Life-Threatening Sublingual Hematoma in the Setting of Anticoagulation and Neck Trauma

Sublingual hematoma is a rare and life-threatening emergency department presentation. The rich vascular supply of the tongue results in a predisposition for rapid hemorrhage secondary to lingual trauma and developing lethal upper airway obstruction. In the setting of a patient with neck trauma, assessment of risk factors, such as the use of anticoagulation, and clinical signs of vascular injury are essential for rapid diagnosis and mobilization of resources for airway protection.