Hyaluronic acid augmentation pharyngoplasty complicated by retropharyngeal abscess and grisel syndrome: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Augmentation pharyngoplasty, in which tissue filler or grafts are used to augment the posterior nasopharynx, is an accepted option to treat velopharyngeal insufficiency. It is generally well tolerated and safe with limited side effects. In this study, we describe a case of a retropharyngeal abscess and Grisel syndrome following hyaluronic acid augmentation pharyngoplasty. Grisel syndrome is a serious condition that requires early diagnosis and prompt intervention to prevent further complications.Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) can be treated conservatively by speech therapy or surgically by augmentation pharyngoplasty and pharyngeal surgeries. Augmentation pharyngoplasty is safe and well‐tolerated procedure. We report a very rare complication of this procedure which is retropharyngeal abscess and Grisel syndrome (GS). GS is a serious condition that requires early diagnosis and prompt intervention to prevent further neurological complications.