title: Deep neck space infections: a retrospective review of 173 cases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to review our recent experience with deep neck infections and emphasize the importance of radiologic evaluation and appropriate treatment selection in those patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  The records of 173 patients treated for deep neck infection at the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of Dicle University Hospital during the period from 2003 to 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Their demography, symptoms, etiology, seasonal distribution, bacteriology, radiology, site of deep neck infection, durations of the hospital admission and hospital stay, treatment, complications, and outcomes were evaluated. The findings were compared to those in the available literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Dental infection was the most common cause of deep neck infection (48.6%). Peritonsillar infections (19.7%) and tuberculosis (6.9%) were the other most common cause. Pain, odynophagia, dysphagia, and fever were the most common presenting symptoms. Radiologic evaluation was performed on almost all of the patients (98.3%) to identify the location, extent, and character (cellulitis or abscesses) of the infections. Computed tomography was performed in 85.3% of patients. The most common involved site was the submandibular space (26.1%). In 29.5% of cases, the infection involved more than one space. All the patients were taken to intravenous antibiotic therapy. Surgical intervention was required in 95 patients (59.5%), whereas 78 patients (40.5%) were treated with intravenous antibiotic therapy alone. Life-threatening complications were developed in 13.8% of cases; 170 patients (98.3%) were discharged in stable condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite the wide use of antibiotics, deep neck space infections are commonly seen. Today, complications of deep neck infections are often life threatening. Although surgical drainage remains the main method of treating deep neck abscesses, conservative medical treatment are effective in selective cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ear Nose & Throat, Dicle University School of Medicine, Diyarbakir, Turkey. drsalihbakir@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Salih
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bakir
authors.forename: M Halis
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Tanriverdi
authors.forename: Ramazan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gün
authors.forename: A Ediz
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Yorgancilar
authors.forename: Müzeyyen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yildirim
authors.forename: Güven
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tekbaş
authors.forename: Yılmaz
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Palanci
authors.forename: Kaan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Meriç
authors.forename: Ismail
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Topçu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015897:Comorbidity; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012621:Seasons; D018461:Soft Tissue Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents