Deep neck space infections

Abstract

Deep neck space infections (DNSIs) most commonly arise from a septic focus of the mandibular teeth, tonsils, parotid gland, deep cervical lymph nodes (LNs), middle ear, or sinuses. Before the widespread use of antibiotics, nearly 70 % of DNSIs were caused by spread from tonsillar and pharyngeal infections. Currently, tonsillitis remains the most common cause of DNSI in children, whereas odontogenic origin is the most common cause in adults [1-4]. These DNSIs often have a rapid onset and can progress to life-threatening complications. Clinicians must thus be aware of such infections and should not underestimate their significant risks of morbidity and mortality, particularly that they have become relatively uncommon in the postantibiotic era. Moreover, with the widespread use of antibiotics and/or profound immunosuppression, the classic local and/or constitutional manifestations of these infections may be absent [5].