Retropharyngeal Edema Following Radiation Therapy

Epidemiology

Radiation therapy is effectively used to treat a variety of head and neck malignancies. Following irradiation, fluid may accumulate in the retropharyngeal space (RPS) in up to 50% of patients irradiated for laryngeal malignancy. These fluid collections typically appear 4 to 6 weeks following irradiation and usually persist for up to 3 months. RPS edema may also be present in patients with suppurative retropharyngeal adenitis, usually due to tonsillitis, and prevertebral cellulitis.

Clinical Findings

RPS fluid collection following radiation therapy is asymptomatic. RPS edema associated with infections of the oropharynx result in neck stiffness and pain. Patients are usually febrile and have difficulty swallowing.