[Deep neck infections: Report of three pediatric cases]

Retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses are rare but associated with significant morbidity and potential mortality. In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of these infections, mainly due to a greater availability of computed tomography scan and a greater virulence of the germs (Group A b-hemolytic Streptococcus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). They predominate in children younger than 5 years. Treatment of retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses consists of an intravenous antibiotic and eventually surgical drainage. Surgical treatment is indicated in patients with abscesses greater than 2 cm ³, with respiratory difficulty or poor response to initial antibiotic treatment. The aim of this study is to describe clinical features and treatment of three cases of deep neck abscesses presented at Hospital de Niños Pedro de Elizalde, Otorhinolaryngology Department in the period of one year.