Two cases of parapharyngeal space infections after streptococcal infection

Abstract

  We treated two cases of parapharyngeal space infections in children. Case 1 was a 6-year-old female and case 2 was a 7-year-old female. In both cases, CT scan showed ring-enhanced mass lesions in the parapharyngeal space, which indicated abscess formation. Case 1 underwent tonsillectomy and needle aspiration of the parapharyngeal space but no pus was obtained. Case 2 underwent needle aspiration of the peri-tonsillar space, but no pus was obtained. In case 1, ASO and ASK titers were high. In case 2, a rapid antigen detection test for group A streptococcus was positive. However, no beta-hemolytic streptococci were isolated in either case. With 16–18 days of high-dose intravenous antibiotic therapies, the patients recovered completely.