Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis mimicking retropharyngeal abscess in a Nigerian child

Abstract

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is not an uncommon disease of the aero-digestive tract, usually involving points of narrowing. Involvement of the oropharynx, particularly when florid, may be easily confused with a retropharyngeal abscess. Study design: Case report of a 11/2 year-old child with florid pharyngeal RRP. Results: The clinical presentation and features on radiography of this patient mimicked retropharyngeal abscess. The patient successfully had a preoperative tracheosomy and excision of the RRP. Conclusion: There was a diagnostic dilemma in this patient because of the identical features of the two conditions. A high index of suspicion and painstaking, careful clinical and radiological evaluation is the key to diagnosis and prompt definitive management.