2021 Volume 37 Issue 1 Pages 96-100
We herein report a case of cervical lymphadenitis with pharyngeal cellulitis and laryngeal edema, which was diagnosed by a contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) examination for the purpose of deep neck infection evaluation. An 11-year-old girl was referred to our hospital with a fever, sore throat, and swelling on the right side of the neck. Ultrasonography revealed a swelling on the Bright cervical lymph nodes, but no abscess, and therefore we made a diagnosis of cervical lymphadenitis. The symptoms persisted, and the patient began experiencing pain while swallowing. We then performed a cervical contrast-enhanced computed tomography, which revealed a low absorption area in the right parapharyngeal space and swelling of the epiglottis and arytenoid. These findings improved with the administration of corticosteroids. Deep neck infection with laryngeal edema is rare in children. In this case, laryngeal edema secondary to cervical lymphadenitis may have occurred. Ultrasonography may be useful for determining the condition of the cervical lymph nodes and presence or absence of an abscess; however, it is not helpful for evaluating a deep neck infection. Contrast-enhanced CT is useful for evaluation of inflammation and airway lesions in case of a suspected deep neck infection.
