Deep-neck space abscesses.
OBJECTIVE
Despite a reduction in the incidence, deep-neck space infections are still seen today with definite potential for significant morbidity and even mortality.


METHODS
The authors present their experience in the management of 16 patients with 19 deep-neck space abscesses. The distribution of the abscesses were: 5 Ludwig's angina, 4 parapharyngeal abscesses, 3 retropharyngeal abscesses, 3 in the sub-mandibular triangle, 3 in the deep anterior triangle, and 1 in the deep posterior triangle.


RESULTS
The source of infection was odontogenic in six patients, pharyngeal in three, otogenic in one, and could not be identified in the other six patients. Most cases presented with pain and neck swelling. Plain x-ray films, computed tomography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging were the main diagnostic procedures. Positive culture was obtained in only nine cases (56.2%). No predominant single organism was identified. Antimicrobial therapy and surgical drainage were the mainstay of treatment. Two cases were complicated by internal jugular-vein thrombophlebitis. All the patients survived without major residual sequelae.


CONCLUSIONS
The etiology, presentation, and management of deep-neck space infections are briefly reviewed.
el-Sayed
Y
Y
Otorhinolaryngology Department, King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
al Dousary
S
S
D000038:Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001441:Bacteroides fragilis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D010614:Pharynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001443:Prevotella melaninogenica / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014463:Ultrasonography
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents