Retropharyngeal abscess

Revision as of 05:31, 22 June 2011 by Jswartz (talk | contribs) (Created page with "==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 d...")
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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)

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

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