Deep neck spaces and their significance in cervical infections

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although rare, deep neck space infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The surgical approach is necessary in the majority of the cases, and the surgeon must know the complex anatomy of the cervical fasciae and deep neck spaces. PURPOSE: The anatomy of the cervical fasciae and deep neck spaces in reviewed. As an illustration, a series of deep neck space infections is presented. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Four clinical cases are reported: 1) a case of Ludwig's angina with several complications (mediastinitis, pericarditis, pneumonia, pleural effusion and empyema, esophageal fistula and septic shock), 2) a case of cervical abscess that appeared without apparent cause, in a young diabetic patient, 3) a case of abscess of the submandibular triangle, and 4) a case of parapharyngeal abscess that came forth after a dental treatment. Data from history taking, physical examination, X-rays, echography, CT scan and treatment and the follow-up are presented. The image tests were valuable and, in two of the cases, they demonstrated that more than one deep neck space were affected. CONCLUSIONS: The literature reinforces the high mortality and morbidity rates, the diversified etiology (dental infection, intravenous drug abuse, infections of the upper aerodigestive tract and others), and the tracheostomy indication made in about half of the cases. It stresses also the need for combined therapy (antibiotics and surgery). Evaluation with CT scan and other radiologic methods is indispensable to determine the site and extent of the process and to plan properly the treatment.