[Deep neck infections: etiology, bacteriology and treatment]

Deep neck infections are dangerous for its potential ease to fascial spread, sepsis, and upper airway obstruction. This article reviews 77 cases of deep cervical infection, focus on etiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects. The most frequent location was the submaxillary area (29%), followed by the parapharyngeal space (28%), floor of the mouth (27%) and retropharyngeal (14%) spaces. Etiology was dental in 32%; pharyngoamigdalar infection in 27%; foreign bodies in 13%. In 22% the cause is unknown. Two or more bacteria were isolated in 72%, with Streptococcus B haemolytic being the most frequent germ. All patients were treated with intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics. Surgical drainage was needed in 54%, and tracheotomy in 18%. Four patients developed mediastinitis, and one died as a consequence of it. The incidence of deep neck infections has decreased after the itroduction of antibiotics but they still may be lethal especially when life-threatening complications occur. Early recognition and management are necessary.