Two Cases of Retropharyngeal Abscess with Fever and Stridor in Infants

Abstract

Retropharyngeal abscesses are rare, but they are sometimes fatal, particularly in infants. Two cases of retropharyngeal abscess were treated at our hospital during the past ten years. One was a 13-month-old boy who had been hospitalized in the pediatrics department for a month with complaints of fever, stridor and dysphagia. Another was a one-month-old boy who had been hospitalized at the pediatrics department for two weeks with complaints of fever and stridor. After transfer to our department, they were diagnosed as having retropharyngeal abscess. Widening of the prevertebral space was noted in the lateral neck film. Both patients received incision and drainage under general anesthesia and antibiotics were administered intravenously. In both patients, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from purulent discharge.