Retropharyngeal abscess - A complication of laryngeal mask airway

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses are uncommon complications following airway management.
• These deep neck infections can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
• Post-intubation abscesses present a rare but critical surgical emergency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of retropharyngeal abscess.
• To highlight a potential complication associated with laryngeal mask airway use.
• To emphasize the importance of considering deep neck infections after airway instrumentation.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of a patient with a retropharyngeal abscess.
• Review of relevant literature on post-intubation deep neck infections and laryngeal mask airway complications.

Main Results:

• A retropharyngeal abscess developed in a patient subsequent to laryngeal mask airway insertion.
• The abscess presented as a surgical emergency post extubation, requiring prompt intervention.
• This case underscores a potential, albeit rare, association between laryngeal mask use and retropharyngeal abscess formation.

Conclusions:

• Laryngeal mask airway insertion may be an antecedent factor in the development of retropharyngeal abscesses.
• Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for deep neck infections in patients with persistent symptoms after airway manipulation.
• Early recognition and management are crucial for favorable outcomes in post-intubation deep neck space infections.