Retropharyngeal abscess
Background
- Abscess in space between post pharyngeal wall and prevertebral fascia
- Due to suppuration of retropharyngeal lymph nodes
- Due to seeding from distant site or direct trauma (fall w/ object in mouth)
- Due to suppuration of retropharyngeal lymph nodes
Diagnosis
- URI followed by neck pain, dysphagia, drooling, neck swelling
- Late symptoms include stridor, respiratory distres, chest pain (mediastinitis)
Work-Up
- Lateral neck xray
- Retropharyngeal space at C2 is 2x diameter of vertebral body
- CT w/ IV contrast
- 100% Sn
Treatment
- Secure airway
- Abx
- Ampicillin/sulbactam or clindamycin
- ENT consult
Disposition
Admit
Source
Tintinalli