Retropharyngeal cellulitis

Supraglottic airway infections

Supraglottic infections are included among the more serious pediatric infections, although they are less common than other pediatric respiratory infections. Supraglottic infections include epiglottis (supraglottitis), retropharyngeal cellulitis, retropharyngeal abscess, and peritonsillar abscess. A high index of suspicion combined with rapid diagnosis and treatment are crucial to reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with these infections. A review of these infections, including diagnosis and treatment, is presented.

Pre-suppurative phase of retropharyngeal infection: contribution of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and treatment

Pre-suppurative phase of retropharyngeal infection can't be differentiated from retropharyngeal abscess clinically or radiographically. Ultrasound, however, can diagnose this common infection in early phase. Early antibacterial treatment prevents the suppurative phase, obviates surgery and shortens the hospitalization phase.

Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle

Facility in the evaluation of the cervical prevertebral soft tissues should be a skill of any otolaryngologist. Tendinitis of the longus colli muscle mimics more serious disease processes of the prevertebral cervical region that the otolaryngologist may be required to evaluate. It has, however, received little attention in otolaryngological literature. Five cases from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary are presented. Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle is an easily recognized clinical and radiological syndrome. Characteristic features include cervical pain, dysphagia, and distinctive radiographs. The pathognomonic lateral neck film reveals prevertebral soft tissue swelling and an amorphous radiodensity anterior to the C-1 and C-2 vertebral bodies. Symptoms usually manifest over a few days and resolve benignly within 2 weeks.