Retropharyngeal abscess

Adult retropharyngeal abscess: a case report and review of the literature

The case of an 18-yr-old otherwise healthy adult with retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) presenting with sore throat and syncope is reported. The case illustrates that sore throat with symptoms out of proportion to oropharyngeal findings should prompt a search for pathology other than simple pharyngitis. A literature search for case reports of RPA in adults was done to derive characterizations about this disease. Adult RPA patients present with sore throat, dysphagia, neck pain and, less commonly, stridor. Adult RPA occurs as a complication of procedures or blunt trauma to the neck, or spread of infection from an adjacent focus. The incidence of underlying disease causing immunosuppression is high. RPA in adults without history of preceding trauma or coexistent illness is unusual.

Retropharyngeal abscess: a previously unreported symptom

Four cases of retropharyngeal abscess are presented. All patients were older than the usual age group and all complained of pain in the back of the neck or shoulder precipitated or aggravated by swallowing. All recovered. The clinical features of retropharyngeal abscess are discussed, and the possible importance of this previously undescribed symptom in distinguishing retropharyngeal abscess from other less serious disease entities is proposed.