Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
04:32

Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia

Published on: June 28, 2018

Retropharyngeal space infection

Somchai Srirompotong1, Supaporn Srirompotong, Patchareeporn Saeseow

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. srirompotong@yahoo.com

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|June 26, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Retropharyngeal space infections, though rare, often stem from foreign bodies in adults. Prompt diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial for reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Retropharyngeal space infections are uncommon due to widespread antibiotic use.
  • In children, infections typically follow upper respiratory infections; in adults, causes include trauma, foreign bodies, or adjacent spread.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze clinical features, etiology, and management of retropharyngeal space infections.
  • To evaluate diagnostic methods and treatment outcomes in a patient cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 12 patients with retropharyngeal space infection (July 1996 - June 2002).
  • Analysis of patient demographics, symptoms, etiology, bacteriology, diagnostic imaging, treatment, and complications.
  • Lateral neck X-rays were assessed for prevertebral soft tissue widening.

Main Results:

  • Widening of prevertebral soft tissue on lateral neck X-ray was the key diagnostic finding.
  • Fever was the most common symptom (91.6%), prevalent in adults (66.6%).
  • Foreign body ingestion caused half of the cases; surgical drainage was effective in 88.8% of nine procedures. Predominant pathogens included Staph. aureus, K. pneumoniae, and Enterobacter species.

Conclusions:

  • Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy significantly reduce morbidity.
  • Surgical intervention, when indicated, is highly effective.
  • Prompt management leads to favorable outcomes with minimal complications.

More Related Videos

The Flexible Rhino-Laryngoscope for Awake Nasotracheal Intubation03:58

The Flexible Rhino-Laryngoscope for Awake Nasotracheal Intubation

Published on: August 2, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more like...
Chronic Pharyngitis01:23

Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...