Deep neck infection: Analysis of 185 cases

Abstract

When dealing with deep neck infections in a high-risk group (older patients with DM or other underlying systemic diseases) in the clinic, more attention should be paid to the prevention of complications and even the possibility of death. Early surgical drainage remains the main method of treating deep neck abscesses. Therapeutic needle aspiration and conservative medical treatment are effective in selective cases such as those with minimal abscess formation.

Unique Extension of Peritonsillar Abscess to the Masticator Space Encountered in the Early Phase of Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis C

“…Systemic hyperglycemia results in derangement of the immune system including the neutrophil function, celluar immunity, and complement function [1,16]. Diabetes and advanced age have been reported as predisposing factors for more severe complications with spread of deep neck infection [1,2,16]. Whereas we have no confirmation regarding which of these three underlying factors mainly contributed to the unique extensions of the peritonsillar abscess in our patient, the combined anti-viral therapy contributed to the other two factors.…”

“…Second, our patient had been prescribed prednisolone (20 mg/day) for 2 months because of the telaprevir-related dermatitis [15]. Patients affected by pathologies causing immune deficiency or who are taking immunosuppressive medications may display a unique clinical picture in comparison with patients without systemic disease [16,17]. These factors might have contributed to infectious aggravation.…”

“…Third, our patient also suffered from fairly controlled diabetes mellitus (DM) attributed to the steroid therapy against telaprevir-related dermatitis. Systemic hyperglycemia results in derangement of the immune system including the neutrophil function, celluar immunity, and complement function [1,16]. Diabetes and advanced age have been reported as predisposing factors for more severe complications with spread of deep neck infection [1,2,16].…”

“…Surgical drainage remains the mainstay of treatment for deep neck abscess, especially for cases complicated by systemic disease [1,16]. In terms of incisional drainage for the masticator abscess, early reports described an external approach [10].…”

“…In terms of incisional drainage for the masticator abscess, early reports described an external approach [10]. More recent descriptions have applied an intraoral approach, with dissection along the ramus [16]. The selection of these approaches has been the subject of much debate [4,17].…”