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Retropharyngeal cellulitis in adolescence
Kosuke Tanaka1, Ryota Inokuchi, Yoshiyuki Namai
1Department of Pediatrics, Ohta Nishinouchi Hospital, Koriyama, Fukushima, Japan.
BMJ Case Reports
|May 21, 2013
Summary
A rare case of retropharyngeal cellulitis in a 10-year-old boy highlights the importance of imaging for diagnosing this potentially fatal infection, even with mild symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Retropharyngeal cellulitis and abscess are uncommon infections in adolescents, typically seen in younger children.
- Early recognition and treatment are crucial due to the potential for rapid caudal extension and severe complications.
Observation:
- A healthy 10-year-old boy presented with fever, sore throat, and dysphagia.
- Physical exam revealed pharyngeal erythema and cervical lymphadenopathy.
- Imaging demonstrated prevertebral soft tissue swelling and a retropharyngeal fluid collection.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with retropharyngeal cellulitis based on clinical and imaging findings.
- Treatment involved intravenous antibiotics.
Implications:
- This case underscores the need for heightened clinical suspicion and careful evaluation of imaging in adolescents presenting with symptoms suggestive of retropharyngeal infection.
- Physicians should consider retropharyngeal cellulitis in the differential diagnosis, even with subtle physical examination findings, to prevent potentially fatal outcomes.
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