Deep neck infections

From January 1967 to August 1978, 65 patients with cervical abscesses were referred to the ENT Clinic of Turku University Hospital. The origin of these deep neck infections was odontogenic in 19, tonsillitis or tonsillectomy in 14, trauma in seven, salivary glands in five and branchiogenic cysts in five and other known causes in three cases. In 12 cases the origin was unknown. The cervical abscesses of odontogenic origin were located mostly in the submandibular space (11/19). The rest of the deep cervical infections were mostly found in the parapharyngeal space (25/46). Etiological factors and treatment of these severe infections are discussed.