PNR Neck 4

History

22 mo F with stiff neck, drooling, fevers, and neck swelling for 8 days

Major Findings

Retropharyngeal abscess causing narrowing of airway
Reactive right cervical lymphadenopathy
Nonspecific opacification of right nasal cavity

Teaching Points

Make sure that the retropharyngeal abscess does not enter the danger space of the neck -- a potential prevertebral space which extends directly into the mediastinum.

Recommend direct visualization of the opacified right nasal cavity to look for abscess.

Article on deep neck space infections:

Accession: CL0726

Study description: CT NECK W/ CONTRAST