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[Retropharyngeal abscess in adults]
V Pintado1, F Cibrián, B Escola
1Servicio de Microbiología Clínica, Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Universidad Complutense, Madrid.
Enfermedades Infecciosas Y Microbiologia Clinica
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Retropharyngeal abscess, a rare neck infection, can occur in adults due to trauma or dental issues. Successful antibiotic treatment was achieved in two adult cases, avoiding surgery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Retropharyngeal abscess is uncommon in adults, often linked to upper respiratory infections, trauma, or dental problems.
- While typically seen in children, adult cases warrant specific diagnostic and management considerations.
Observation:
- Two adult cases of retropharyngeal abscess are presented.
- Predisposing factors included foreign body ingestion (fish bone) in one case; the other had no identifiable cause.
- Computed tomography (CT) of the neck confirmed the diagnosis in both patients.
Findings:
- Cultures revealed Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus oralis in the abscess associated with foreign body ingestion.
- Both patients responded successfully to antibiotic therapy.
- Surgical drainage was not necessary for either case, indicating successful non-operative management.
Implications:
- Antibiotic therapy presents a viable alternative to surgical intervention for non-complicated retropharyngeal abscesses in adults.
- This approach may reduce morbidity and healthcare costs associated with surgical procedures.
- Further research into non-operative management strategies for retropharyngeal abscesses is warranted.