Transverse cervical myelopathy: an unusual complication of retropharyngeal abscess

Retropharyngeal abscess complicated by suppuration in the central nervous system, intra- or extraaxial, is rare. Acute transverse myelopathy complicating a retropharyngeal abscess may be more frequent than epidural spinal abscess and usually affects the thoracic cord. Therefore, the occurrence of acute high cervical transverse myelopathy is rarely encountered and warrants reporting. The need for neuroradiologic diagnostic evaluation is emphasized in order to rule out a surgically treatable lesion.