Abstract
Retropharyngeal abscess is an abscess of the deep spaces in the neck which if not treated urgently can be life-threatening as a result of airway compromise. It is important to detect and treat very early. It may arise in pediatrics from direct neck trauma which is not very common and fishbone impaction. Direct anterior neck trauma resulting in insidious retropharyngeal abscess has not been widely reported.
Highlights
Open AccessThe facial envelope which surrounds the neck structures is partitioned into may potential spaces of which retropharyngeal space is one of them [1]
We present a case report of retropharyngeal abscess arising from a direct hit on the anterior neck of a 7-yearold boy by a car seat
A direct hit on the anterior neck was the cause. This mechanism has not been commonly reported. This progressive nature of the presentation over 6 days period pointed to the fact that there might have been the possibility of minimal bleed in the retropharyngeal space with hematoma collections and subsequent abscess formation
Summary
The facial envelope which surrounds the neck structures is partitioned into may potential spaces of which retropharyngeal space is one of them [1]. Retropharyngeal abscess is an abscess of the deep spaces in the neck which if not treated urgently can be life-threatening as a result of airway compromise. It may arise in pediatrics from direct neck trauma which is not very common and fishbone impaction. Other risk factors causing it include endotracheal intubation, surgery, laryngoscopy and placement of nasogastric tube [2]. We present a case report of retropharyngeal abscess arising from a direct hit on the anterior neck of a 7-yearold boy by a car seat
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