Supraglottitis and abscess formation.
OBJECTIVE
This case series report aims to raise awareness of the association between supraglottic infection and abscess formation, which has been rarely documented.


METHODS
We report a series of four patients who developed cervical abscesses following supraglottic infection. The diagnosis was confirmed by imaging in three patients, and by incision and drainage of pus at direct laryngoscopy in one.


RESULTS
All four patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics, steroids and humidification; two also underwent surgical drainage of pus. All made an uneventful recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
The factors that lead to neck abscess formation are poorly understood. Physicians should always be aware of this potential complication. If it is suspected, appropriate neck imaging should be undertaken, after excluding airway copromise; this will aid early diagnosis and treatment.
Gillett
D
D
Department of Otolaryngology, Homerton University Hospital, London, UK. drdarrengillett@yahoo.com
Eynon-Lewis
N J
NJ
D000038:Abscess / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002648:Child; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods; D004825:Epiglottis; D005260:Female; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009333:Neck; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000150:complications*