title: Spontaneous descending retropharyngeal abscess.
abstract: Retropharyngeal abscesses are rare but can occur spontaneously in adults and are potentially life threatening. Such a diagnosis should be considered so that aggressive treatment can be initiated as soon as possible to avoid life threatening mediastinal complications.
authors.affiliation: Gloucester Royal Hospital, Surgery, Great Western Road, Gloucester, Gloucester GL1 3NN, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rahman
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Savage
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Lee