Retropharyngeal Abscess in a Neonate After Extravasation Injury: To Drain or not to Drain?

Neonatal retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) is a rare and life-threatening entity. Most of the cases are idiopathic in nature. We encountered a case of RPA in a newborn secondary to extravasation injury. The presence of neck swelling with clinical deterioration following extravasation of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) infused via a peripherally inserted central catheter at the right upper limb raised the suspicion of neck abscess. This was later confirmed to be RPA based on magnetic resonance imaging of the neck. She was treated with prolonged intravenous antibiotics in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Her condition gradually improved, evidenced by resolution of the collection on serial imaging. Early recognition and prompt management are crucial to reduce the morbidity and mortality from RPA.