Retropharyngeal Abscess: Clinical Review

Abstract

Retropharyngeal abscess, once a relatively common entity in children, is uncommon today. From 1981 to 1991, we treated 20 cases. Abscesses secondary to upper respiratory infection in children were seen only in three (15%) cases. Trauma and foreign bodies were the most common etiologic factors in the adult subgroup. Streptococcus viridans and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most common pathogens. The use of contrast-enhanced computed tomography has had a significant impact on the diagnostic work-up. The choice of initial antibiotic therapy is discussed. There were no deaths in this series.

Nasopharyngeal gangrenous abscess with skull base extension caused by Escherichia coli after esophageal dilatation for esophageal reconstruction

“…The most commonly isolated pathogen is Streptococcus pyogenes followed by Staphylococcus aureus . [10] In literature, the E. coli infections have been reported only in a few cases. [5] None of them are followed by the esophageal dilatation.…”

Spontaneous descending retropharyngeal abscess

“…There are causative factors that may precipitate the development of a neck abscess, though, and these are more usual in adults. These include penetrating injuries of the neck, oesophageal foreign bodies2 , 3 or chronic infective conditions such as the tuberculous involvement of the cervical spine 4. There is little, to our knowledge, in the literature reporting spontaneous abscess formation in the retropharyngeal space in adults.…”

“…This is rare in adults as the lymph nodes in the retropharyngeal space, apart from the solitary node of Rouviere, disappear after the age of 5 years. In adults, the most common cause of retropharyngeal abscess is a penetrating injury or oesophageal foreign body 2 , 3. Other causes include chronic infective conditions such as tuberculosis, particularly tubercular involvement of the cervical spine 4…”

Retropharyngeal Abscess Presenting as Benign Neck Pain

“…1,[5][6][7][8][9][10] Retropharyngeal abscess is a potentially serious deep neck space infection and can be of medical or traumatic origin. 9 The incidence of these infections has dropped because of the advent of antibiotics.…”

“…8 Research of RPA-categorized infections in children is more likely to be medical in origin because of the neck lymphatic system, whereas in adults it is most likely due to regional trauma, foreign body ingestion, complication of procedures, or an immunocompromised state. 1,3,5,8,9,12 The presentation of RPA is sometimes subtle, and the findings are variable. 9 In children, most deep neck infections studied are caused by acute tonsillitis with involvement of the peritonsillar space.…”