[Retropharyngeal and lateral pharyngeal abscesses in children].
OBJECTIVE
Review of the diagnostic and management of retropharyngeal and lateral pharyngeal abscesses in children.


METHODS
Retrospective study of 5 children's cases hospitalized during year 2003.


RESULTS
Diagnosis included CT scan which is often helpful to differentiate cellulitis from abscesses. First medical management consists in an intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics. Surgical drainage may be considered in cases of failure or clinical aggravation. Closed observation is mandatory in all cases to prevent major complication.


CONCLUSIONS
Retropharyngeal and lateral pharyngeal abscesses in children are life-threatening infectious. Therapeutic consists in intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics associated, if necessary, with surgical drainage in cases of persistent abscess.
Dufour
X
X
Département d'ORL, de Chirurgie Cervico-maxillo-faciale, et d'Audiophonologie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire, Poitiers, BP 577- 86021, Poitiers Cedex, France.
Gohler
C
C
Bedier
A
A
Ferrie
J-Cl
JC
Oriot
D
D
Fontanel
J-P
JP
Klossek
J-M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017703:Retropharyngeal Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents