title: Characterization and management of deep neck infections.
abstract: A retrospective review was conducted of 91 patients with deep neck infections to determine the pattern of clinical disease and formulate a management plan. The spaces involved, as determined by clinical, radiologic, and operative findings, were the peritonsillar space (72 patients), parapharyngeal space (eight patients) submandibular space (seven patients), retropharyngeal space (one patient) superficial space (one patient), anterior visceral space (one patient), and visceral vascular space (one patient). Of the 19 patients who did not have a peritonsillar space infection the origin of the infection was found in eight; four of these were odontogenic. Thirty-eight patients required surgical drainage of the abscess. Five patients underwent tracheotomy due to increasing dyspnea. One patient with diabetes mellitus and a past history of myocardial infarction died of unknown cause. All other patients had an uneventful recovery without major complications. The combination of early radiologic diagnosis, effective antimicrobial therapy, and intensive surgical management contributed to the good prognosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sakaguchi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sato
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ishiyama
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Katsuno
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Taguchi
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D005491:Focal Infection, Dental / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck; D000039:Peritonsillar Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D017703:Retropharyngeal Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents