A Case of Warfarin-induced Submucosal Hemorrhage of The Larynx and Upper Trachea

Warfarin치료중 발생한 후두 및 기관 점막하 출혈 1례

Warfarin sodium is a widely used oral anticoagulant and it sometimes causes hemorrhage in various sites such as traumatic or operative wounds, urologic organs, gastrointesitnal tract and subcutaneous tissues. Warfarin induced hemorrhage in upper respiratory tract causing upper airway obstruction is extremely rare. Despite the life-threatening nature of this complication, the symptoms are obscure like sore throat or hoarseness, suggesting infection and early diagnosis can be delayed. Careful medical history is emphasized When bleeding is observed, the patient should be admitted for close observation and prompt treatment. Recently we have exrperienced a case of laryngeal and upper tracheal submucosal hemorrhage induced by long term warfarin in 64 years old mm. We described the case with a review of the literature.