Retropharyngeal abscess in a child secondary to polyvinyl plastic tube trauma

Abstract

Introduction: Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) is a deep neck infection occurring in children of less than six years of age. Case Report: We present a case of RPA in a child who came to our emergency room with seemingly trivial intraoral injury. Retropharyngeal abscess is a potentially serious deep neck space infection. It can be of medical or traumatic in origin. There is paucity of literature on pediatric deep neck space abscesses, especially here in Oman. Ear, nose, and throat infections or pharyngeal trauma can lead to RPA which can be life-threatening if it compresses trachea or large vessels. Neck pain, fever, and dysphagia are usual presenting complaints with pharyngitis, tonsillitis, epiglottitis, and foreign body as main differentials. Computed tomography (CT) of the neck is the gold standard; however, X-ray of neck can be done if CT facility is not available. Intravenous (IV) antibiotics are the main treatment and drainage in cases of large or antibiotic resistant RPA. Our patient diagnosed on CT neck and responded well to the IV antibiotics. Conclusion: The emergency room physicians and the general practitioners should keep a high index of suspicion for the RPA in children with trivial throat injury.