Retropharyngeal abscesses occur in the retropharyngeal space, which extends from the base of the skull Base of the skull The inferior region of the skull consisting of an internal (cerebral), and an external (basilar) surface. Skull: Anatomy to the posterior mediastinum Mediastinum The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels. Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy. The abscesses occur due to extension Extension Examination of the Upper Limbs of local infections Infections Invasion of the host organism by microorganisms or their toxins or by parasites that can cause pathological conditions or diseases. Chronic Granulomatous Disease, including upper respiratory infections Infections Invasion of the host organism by microorganisms or their toxins or by parasites that can cause pathological conditions or diseases. Chronic Granulomatous Disease or localized infections Infections Invasion of the host organism by microorganisms or their toxins or by parasites that can cause pathological conditions or diseases. Chronic Granulomatous Disease from trauma such as dental procedures. Infections Infections Invasion of the host organism by microorganisms or their toxins or by parasites that can cause pathological conditions or diseases. Chronic Granulomatous Disease most commonly occur in children. Key clinical features include trismus Trismus Spasmodic contraction of the masseter muscle resulting in forceful jaw closure. This may be seen with a variety of diseases, including tetanus, as a complication of radiation therapy, trauma, or in association with neoplastic conditions. Tetanus, dysphagia Dysphagia Dysphagia is the subjective sensation of difficulty swallowing. Symptoms can range from a complete inability to swallow, to the sensation of solids or liquids becoming "stuck." Dysphagia is classified as either oropharyngeal or esophageal, with esophageal dysphagia having 2 sub-types: functional and mechanical. Dysphagia, and an inability to extend the neck Neck The part of a human or animal body connecting the head to the rest of the body. Peritonsillar Abscess. Diagnosis is confirmed by computed tomography of the neck Neck The part of a human or animal body connecting the head to the rest of the body. Peritonsillar Abscess. Management is primarily through antibiotics and surgical drainage. Complications include airway Airway ABCDE Assessment compromise, mediastinitis Mediastinitis Mediastinitis refers to an infection or inflammation involving the mediastinum (a region in the thoracic cavity containing the heart, thymus gland, portions of the esophagus, and trachea). Acute mediastinitis can be caused by bacterial infection due to direct contamination, hematogenous or lymphatic spread, or extension of infection from nearby structures. Mediastinitis, and internal jugular vein Internal jugular vein Parapharyngeal Abscess thrombosis Thrombosis Formation and development of a thrombus or blood clot in the blood vessel. Epidemic Typhus.
Last updated: 2 Jun, 2022
The retropharyngeal space in this figure is located between the yellow ( buccopharyngeal fascia Buccopharyngeal fascia Pharynx: Anatomy) and blue (prevertebral fascia Fascia Layers of connective tissue of variable thickness. The superficial fascia is found immediately below the skin; the deep fascia invests muscles, nerves, and other organs. Cellulitis) lines. The lateral borders are formed by the carotid sheath (red lines).
Image by Lecturio.Thickening of soft tissue Soft Tissue Soft Tissue Abscess between the esophagus Esophagus The esophagus is a muscular tube-shaped organ of around 25 centimeters in length that connects the pharynx to the stomach. The organ extends from approximately the 6th cervical vertebra to the 11th thoracic vertebra and can be divided grossly into 3 parts: the cervical part, the thoracic part, and the abdominal part. Esophagus: Anatomy and cervical vertebrae Cervical vertebrae The first seven vertebrae of the spinal column, which correspond to the vertebrae of the neck. Vertebral Column: Anatomy is highly predictive of tissue edema Edema Edema is a condition in which excess serous fluid accumulates in the body cavity or interstitial space of connective tissues. Edema is a symptom observed in several medical conditions. It can be categorized into 2 types, namely, peripheral (in the extremities) and internal (in an organ or body cavity). Edema and abscess Abscess Accumulation of purulent material in tissues, organs, or circumscribed spaces, usually associated with signs of infection. Chronic Granulomatous Disease in the retropharyngeal space.
David Swenson; Widlus DM DM Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and dysfunction of the regulation of glucose metabolism by insulin. Type 1 DM is diagnosed mostly in children and young adults as the result of autoimmune destruction of β cells in the pancreas and the resulting lack of insulin. Type 2 DM has a significant association with obesity and is characterized by insulin resistance. Diabetes Mellitus.Lateral radiograph showing widening of the prevertebral space with small locules (arrow):
The findings are consistent with a retropharyngeal
abscess
Abscess
Accumulation of purulent material in tissues, organs, or circumscribed spaces, usually associated with signs of infection.
Chronic Granulomatous Disease. In this case, the
abscess
Abscess
Accumulation of purulent material in tissues, organs, or circumscribed spaces, usually associated with signs of infection.
Chronic Granulomatous Disease was caused by ingestion of a
foreign body
Foreign Body
Foreign Body Aspiration.
Retropharyngeal
abscess
Abscess
Accumulation of purulent material in tissues, organs, or circumscribed spaces, usually associated with signs of infection.
Chronic Granulomatous Disease:
a CT scan of the
neck
Neck
The part of a human or animal body connecting the head to the rest of the body.
Peritonsillar Abscess showing a retropharyngeal collection suggestive of an
abscess
Abscess
Accumulation of purulent material in tissues, organs, or circumscribed spaces, usually associated with signs of infection.
Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Retropharyngeal abscesses are considered the most deadly deep neck Neck The part of a human or animal body connecting the head to the rest of the body. Peritonsillar Abscess infection.
The most common complications include: