PNR CS 7

History

6 month old M with intermittent stridor

Major Findings

On the initial lateral radiograph, prevertebral soft tissues are thickened
On the subsequent lateral radiograph, prevertebral soft tissues normalize after the baby has taken a good inspiratory breath

Teaching Points

Normal pediatric prevertebral soft tissue measurements*:

< 7 mm at the level of C2
< 5 mm at the level of C3-C4
< 14 mm at the level of C6

Thickened prevertebral soft tissues are worrisome for retropharyngeal abscess in the setting of infection or hematoma in the setting of trauma.

If you see thickened prevertebral soft tissues and the technologist notes that the baby was crying during the exam (forced expiration), consider asking for a repeat radiograph.

*Measurements are from this Radiology Assistant page on lateral neck radiograph findings

Accession: CL1072

Study description: