Retropharyngeal abscess – What are the signs and symptoms, relevant dDx., sequelae, work up, and treatment options?

January 5, 2021 5:34 am Published by

Retropharyngeal abscess is an infection of the retropharyngeal lymph node, most commonly seen in infants and young children.

Sn. & Sx.:

  • Constitutional symptoms (weight loss, anorexia, fatigue, malaise)
  • Flu-like symptoms (fever, myalgia, arthralgia)
  • Tonsillar swelling
  • Stridor
  • Dyspnea, tachypnea
  • Dysphagia
  • Odynophagia
  • Neck pain, torticollis, hyperextension of the neck

dDx.:

  • Tonsillitis
  • Epiglottitis
  • Laryngotracheobronchitis
  • Peritonsillar abscess
  • Meningitis

Sequelae:

  • Asphyxia
  • Hemorrhage
  • Mediastinal infection

Work up:

  • Imaging (X-ray showing widened vertebral space)

Tx.:

  • IV corticosteroids

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This post was written by Omar Rifai