Tracheo-oesophageal compression due to massive spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma.

Spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma and dissecting intramural haematoma of the oesophagus are two distinct, but rare, phenomena. We describe the first case of complete tracheo-oesophageal obstruction due to spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma presenting with chest pain and dysphagia. Rapid imaging allowed life-saving transfer to the regional specialist centre, with immediate surgical intervention. The importance, aetiology and clinical features of both diagnoses are discussed.