Retropharyngeal abscess related to hematogenous dissemination

Abstract

A retropharyngeal abscess is an infection in the deep space of the neck and it is a potentially life-threatening condition, because of severe complications. Today, it is rare in adults, but it is still present in immunosuppressed patients or after local trauma by foreign body. Diagnosis is challenging due to the variety of the symptoms and a computed tomography (CT) scan of the area is required. Its management requires highly specialized care, based on antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage of the abscess. We report a case of a retropharyngeal abscess in a diabetic patient, with renal nephropathy and end-stage renal failure. Interestingly, the abscess was inside the thoracic cavity and surgical procedure included also thoracotomy.