Two Cases of Retropharyngeal Abscess in Children

Yoshifusa Abe, Tokuo Miyazawa, Takako Saito, Hideyasu Oto, Naho Sakai,
Seido Oki1）, Kazuo Itabashi, Takehiko Gokan2）
Department of Pediatrics, Otolaryngology1）, and Radiology2）, Showa University School of Medicine

Abstract
Retropharyngeal abscess is a deep neck infection. It is usually seen in children under 6 years of age and has a high mortality rate. Early diagnosis is important to prevent the development of complications. The presenting clinical picture of retropharyngeal abscess is usually classical with fever, neck swelling, stridor, and pharyngeal swelling. We here report two cases of retropharyngeal abscess in children. As classical manifestations, our cases showed fever and neck swelling. Furthermore, they also showed a shift of the uvula or limited neck movement. A definite diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess was made by conventional computed tomography. Although unnecessary radiologic examinations must be avoided, children presenting with abnormal findings on neck examination in addition to fever and swelling should be examined further for possible retropharyngeal abscess.

Keywords：Retropharyngeal abscess, Children, Computed tomography scanning