Giant retropharyngeal abscess secondary to tubercular spondylitis

Chronic retropharyngeal abscess secondary to tubercular spondilitis is a rare phenomenon. Anatomical location of this abscess makes it a life threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment thus preventing morbidity and mortality. Authors are documenting a case of tubercular spondylitis of cervical region in a 12-year old male child with huge retropharyngeal abscess extending to superior mediastinum. Clinically, patient had respiratory distress but no neurological deficit. USG (Ultrasonography) guided aspirate of abscess sent for microscopy and culture showed acid fast bacilli. Multiple USG guided aspirations under antibiotic and antitubercular cover (Category I) were done. Patient is doing well at three month follow-up.