Parapharyngeal inflammatory pseudotumor presenting as fever of unknown origin in a 3-year-old girl

A parapharyngeal inflammatory pseudotumor in a 3-year-old girl who presented with high fever, anemia, and weight loss is described. The histologic differentiation from other fibroblastic lesions occurring in the head and neck region of a child is discussed. Symptoms improved dramatically after removal of the mass. The lesion may represent an exaggerated local response to an as yet unidentified agent with concomitant systemic manifestations.