Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

The Flexible Rhino-Laryngoscope for Awake Nasotracheal Intubation
Published on: August 2, 2024
Retropharyngeal abscess in adults
N Benmansour1, A Benali, A L Poirrier
1Hassan II University Hospital, Department of ENT and HNS, Fès, Morocco. najib_dr@yahoo.fr
Objectives:
Retropharyngeal abscess in adults can be life-threatening. The otolaryngologist is on the front line in making the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The aim of this study is to review the clinical features, the diagnostic tools and the management of retropharyngeal abscesses in adults.
Patients And Methods:
Retrospective study of retropharyngeal abscesses in adults admitted in the ENT department from 2005 to 2010.
Results:
In total 4 patients were included in this study: mean age of 53 years (range 45 to 62 years), sex ration F/M = 3. Cultures obtained from the abscesses identified group A beta-hemolytic streptococci susceptible to amoxicilline-clavulanate in three cases. The treatment consisted in surgical drainage of the collection and intravenous antibiotics.
Conclusions:
Retropharyngeal abscesses in adults are critical infections requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Computed tomography scan was the crucial tool for the diagnosis, notably to differentiate cellulitis from abscesses. The management includes intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics associated, if necessary, with surgical drainage in cases of persistent abscess. The outcome is usually good.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pharyngitis
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:
Chronic Pharyngitis
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,...
Tonsillitis II: Management
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
