title: Retropharyngeal abscess with mediastinal extension in an infant--still existing?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the present case report was to note that despite the low incidence of retropharyngeal abscess in the present antibiotic era, children, especially infants, can develop this condition. If early diagnosis is missed, the abscess may extend into the mediastinum and can be life threatening.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case reports of mediastinal abscess in the past literature along with the current case.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The present case was successfully managed by surgical drainage of the abscess via transcervical route along with intravenous antibiotic therapy, and the recovery was uneventful.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the incidence of retropharyngeal abscess has declined with the widespread use of antibiotics, the presenting symptom can be overlooked in a pediatric population, especially infants, and can extend along the fascial planes to the mediastinum when the recovery becomes difficult. The present report is an effort to draw attention to this life-threatening complication of retropharyngeal abscess, emphasize the role of early diagnosis, and prompt surgical management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Rijuneeta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bakshi
authors.forename: Gogia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Grover
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008480:Mediastinitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D017703:Retropharyngeal Abscess / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents