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Retropharyngeal Abscess, Pediatric

Camille Sabella, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

A relatively rare but potentially life-threatening infection occurring in the potential space between the posterior pharyngeal wall and prevertebral fascia 

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • Winter-spring ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Symptoms may be present from hours to days before correct diagnosis is established. Many patients will have been taking oral antibiotics for presumed pharyngitis/sinusitis.

  • Ask about n...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Urgent consultation with an otolaryngology surgical team is warranted for airway management and possible surgical drainage; a team experienced in pediatric airway management ...

ONGOING CARE

PROGNOSIS

Excellent with appropriate antibiotics, expectant care, and surgery, if needed, at optimal time 

COMPLICATIONS

  • Spontaneous rupture with aspiration of infected material, with subseq...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Chang L, Chi H, Chiu NC, et al. Deep neck infections in different age group of children. J Microbiol Immunol Infect.  2010;43(1):47–52. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Elsherif ...

CODES

ICD9

478.24 Retropharyngeal abscess 

ICD10

J39.0 Retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscess 

SNOMED

18099001 retropharyngeal abscess (disorder) 

FAQ

  • Q: What is the age group most at risk of having a retropharyngeal abscess?

  • A: They are most common in preschool children; the paramedian chains of lymph nodes in the retropharyngeal area regress du...

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