Retropharyngeal abscess in adults

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Retropharyngeal abscess is a rare disorder usually seen in children as a result of upper respiratory tract infections. In adults, retropharyngeal abscess can occur as a result of local trauma (such as foreign body ingestion or instrumental procedures) and odontogenic infections. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report two cases of retropharyngeal abscess in adults. The clinical features, diagnostic procedures and treatment of the disease are discussed. RESULTS: Foreign body ingestion (fish bone) was the predisposing factor in one patient and no underlying cause was found in the other. Diagnosis was established by computed tomography of the neck. S. mitis and S. oralis were isolated in the culture of the abscess secondary to foreign body ingestion. Antibiotic treatment was successful in both cases without evidence of complications. Surgical drainage was not required. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic therapy is a useful alternative treatment to surgery in the management of non-complicated retropharyngeal abscess.