57 Retropharyngeal abscess Fig. 57.1A This lateral radiograph of the cervical spine in a child demonstrates gross increase in the soft tissue in the retropharyngeal space, effacing and displacing the trachea anteriorly. The child had a retropharyngeal abscess. Background An abscess in the retropharyngeal space is associated with high morbidity and mortality in children, particularly if not detected early. It may complicate upper respiratory tract infection, or be a complication of local trauma, for example from ingested foreign bodies. The most feared complication is loss of the airway, although there is significant associated morbidity from mediastinitis, vascular compromise and epidural abscesses. Clinical features Symptoms The chief symptoms are sore throat, fever, difficulty and pain on swallowing, and neck stiffness. A history of trauma to the area can be trivial and may be forgotten. Signs Drooling and/or stridor are worrying signs of potential airway compromise. Cervical lymphadenopathy is also commonly seen. If epiglottitis is being considered, it can be potentially dangerous to examine the throat as this can compromise the airway. Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Related posts: Permanent pacemakers Gastric outlet obstruction Caecal volvulus Small bowel obstruction Brodie’s abscess Slipped upper femoral epiphysis Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel Join Tags: On-Call X-Rays Made Easy Aug 20, 2016 | Posted by admin in ULTRASONOGRAPHY | Comments Off on Retropharyngeal abscess Full access? Get Clinical Tree
57 Retropharyngeal abscess Fig. 57.1A This lateral radiograph of the cervical spine in a child demonstrates gross increase in the soft tissue in the retropharyngeal space, effacing and displacing the trachea anteriorly. The child had a retropharyngeal abscess. Background An abscess in the retropharyngeal space is associated with high morbidity and mortality in children, particularly if not detected early. It may complicate upper respiratory tract infection, or be a complication of local trauma, for example from ingested foreign bodies. The most feared complication is loss of the airway, although there is significant associated morbidity from mediastinitis, vascular compromise and epidural abscesses. Clinical features Symptoms The chief symptoms are sore throat, fever, difficulty and pain on swallowing, and neck stiffness. A history of trauma to the area can be trivial and may be forgotten. Signs Drooling and/or stridor are worrying signs of potential airway compromise. Cervical lymphadenopathy is also commonly seen. If epiglottitis is being considered, it can be potentially dangerous to examine the throat as this can compromise the airway. Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Related posts: Permanent pacemakers Gastric outlet obstruction Caecal volvulus Small bowel obstruction Brodie’s abscess Slipped upper femoral epiphysis Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel Join Tags: On-Call X-Rays Made Easy Aug 20, 2016 | Posted by admin in ULTRASONOGRAPHY | Comments Off on Retropharyngeal abscess Full access? Get Clinical Tree
