Presentation, diagnosis, and management of deep-neck abscesses in infants.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify the presenting signs and symptoms, clinical course, pathogenic organisms, and management of deep-neck-space abscesses in infants.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review.


METHODS
Tertiary care academic children's hospital.


METHODS
Records of 25 patients 9 months or younger with deep-neck-space abscesses from July 1989 through May 1999 were reviewed.


METHODS
Resolution of abscess.


RESULTS
Presenting symptoms included neck mass, 92% (n = 23); fever, 60% (n = 15); and dysphagia and/or poor intake by mouth, 36% (n = 9). Overall, patients were symptomatic for a mean duration of 3.8 days before presenting to the hospital; 21 of 22 evaluated patients had elevated white blood cell counts. Imaging included 68% computed tomographic scan (n = 17) and 44% plain radiographs (n = 11). On the basis of radiology and operative findings, locations of the abscesses were as follows: anterior triangle, 8; parapharyngeal, 5; posterior triangle, retropharyngeal, and undefined, 3 each; submandibular, 2; and parotid, 1. Of 17 scanned patients, 13 had some degree of airway compromise evident on computed tomography. All were treated with incision and drainage, 3 of 25 intraorally and 22 of 25 externally. Pus was identified in all 25; 20 of these grew Staphylococcus aureus, 1 grew group A Streptococcus, and 4 grew no organism. All patients received intravenous antibiotics for a mean of 4.8 days and oral antibiotics for a mean of 11 days. Only 1 patient required a second procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Deep-neck-space abscesses in infants are rapidly progressive, often cause airway compromise, and usually present with fever and neck mass. The most common pathogen is S aureus. Patients are effectively treated with incision and drainage coupled with intravenous followed by oral antibiotics.
Cmejrek
Ryan C
RC
Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospitals of Cleveland, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106-6010, USA.
Coticchia
James M
JM
Arnold
James E
JE
D000038:Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D018450:Disease Progression; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009333:Neck; D017703:Retropharyngeal Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies