Retropharyngeal Abscess in Three Adults

Abstract

Case 1 was a 41-year-old female with retropharyngeal abscess secondary to tuberculosis of the cervical lymph nodes. Administration of tuberculostatics and needle drainage gradually reduced the symptoms, and swelling in the retropharyngeal wall nearly disappeared after about 5 months. After treatment with the tuberculostatic agents for about 11/2 years, the patient has been under observation without recurrence. Case 2 was a 47-year-old male with primary retropharyngeal abscess following acute inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Examination revealed diabetes. The patient improved rapidly following antibiotic administration, intraoral incision and drainage of the abscess, and control of the diabetes. He was discharged 18 days after admission. Case 3 was a 62-year-old female with retropharyngeal abscess 4 days after injury of the pharynx caused by a fish bone. She had diabetes treated with insulin. Following the administration of antibiotics in addition to insulin, the patient improved rapidly and was discharged 10 days after admission. Though various tuberculostatics and antibiotics are available today, retropharyngeal abscess still occurs sometimes. Adequate attention must be paid to the diagnosis and treatment. © 1988, The Society of Practical Otolaryngology. All rights reserved.