Retropharyngeal abscess complicating a neck wound (a case report).
Non-tuberculous retropharyngeal abscesses in adults are usually secondary to pharyngeal or oesophageal perforation, or sepsis in the throat or sinuses. Mediastinitis may follow, and broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgical drainage are required. The management of neck wounds must include adequate radiology where there is a risk of retained foreign body, and careful exploration, under general anaesthetic in many cases, is necessary. In the case reported here, retention of a foreign body in a neck wound led to the development of an unusual retropharyngeal abscess.
Pickles
J M
JM
General Infirmary, Leeds.
D000038:Abscess / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000150:complications; D005898:Glass; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019838:Neck Injuries; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000150:complications*