Airway management in patients with deep neck infections: A retrospective analysis

Traumatic retropharyngeal hematoma: A systematic review of reported cases

OBJECTIVES

To study the mechanisms of injury, clinical manifestations, radiological findings, management, and outcomes of traumatic retropharyngeal hematoma (RH).

METHODS

We used the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews guidelines to carry out a systematic literature review to identify all published cases of traumatic RH by searching the PubMed database. Articles published between 1988 and 2022 that reported traumatic RH were included. However, articles that reported non-traumatic RHs and non-English articles were excluded from this study.

RESULTS

Of the 62 articles screened, 56 were included. Most patients (55%) were above the mean age of 61.7. The majority of patients were male (69.7%). The main symptom was dyspnea (66.6%) and symptoms usually presented within 24 hours. Among the patients, 90.9% did not take anticoagulants or have coagulation disorders, and the main injury mechanism was falling (54.5%). Most of the computed tomography findings reported retropharyngeal (38%) and prevertebral (15%) hematoma. Meanwhile, magnetic resonance imaging revealed 2 masses in the retropharyngeal space and 2 RHs. With several treatment modalities, more than 50% of the cases were only observed (44 cases), and endotracheal intubation was the most commonly used airway management method (n=35).

CONCLUSION

Traumatic RH is often caused by falls, particularly in elderly patients. Dyspnea is the primary symptom, usually appearing within 24 hours. Cervical vertebral fractures are the leading cause, and observation is the most common treatment approach.PROSPERO Reg. No.: CRD42022349010.

Lemierre's syndrome complicating deep neck abscess: a case report

BACKGROUND

Lemierre's Syndrome is a severe medical condition that can result from oropharyngeal infection, typically caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, leading to sepsis, internal jugular vein thrombosis, and metastatic septic emboli. However, there is limited literature on this syndrome caused by Streptococcus anginosus, and few previous cases have been reported to have deep neck space infection. We present the first case of Lemierre's Syndrome caused by Streptococcus anginosus with deep neck abscess.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 53-year-old male patient with no significant medical history presented with right neck pain after accidentally swallowing a fish bone one month ago. Laryngoscopy did not reveal any abnormalities. Five days prior to admission, the patient developed high fever. Imaging studies showed internal jugular vein thrombosis and a neck abscess surrounding the carotid artery sheath. Blood culture results were positive for Streptococcus anginosus infection, and the patient was diagnosed with Lemierre's syndrome. The patient underwent surgical drainage and received antibiotics and anticoagulant therapy, and had satisfactory clinical progress. He was discharged after a 16-day hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Although Lemierre's syndrome is rare, it needs attention because it can lead to serious complications and requires timely treatment. Deep neck space infections can be life-threatening and doctors must be aware of its potential severity.

Deep odontogenic infections - Computed tomography imaging-based spreading routes and risk for airway obstruction

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate deep odontogenic infection (DOI) spread and features utilizing head and neck computed tomography (CT) imaging.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with acute DOI and preoperative contrast-enhanced CT-imaging were included in the study. Infection spaces, radiological features of these infections, CT imaging-based compromised airway and patients' background factors were evaluated and associations between these and need for postoperative mechanical ventilation (MV) were reported.

RESULTS

Altogether 262 hospitalized patients were included in the final analysis. Typically affected spaces were submandibular (74%), mandibular buccal/vestibular (37%), and sublingual (26%). Retropharyngeal (1%), mediastinal (1%) and danger space (1%) involvements were unusual. The infections were quite evenly distributed between multispace abscesses (53%) and other infections (47%). In multivariate analysis, CT-based compromised airway (OR 5.6, CI 95%, 2.9-10.9, P <0.001), midline crossing (OR 3.3, CI 95%, 1.2-8.8, P = 0.018) and extension at the level or below hyoid body (OR 2.4, CI 95% 1.2-5.1, P = 0.016) predicted the need for MV. Other radiological findings and patients' background variables remained statistically non-significant for MV.

CONCLUSION

Anterolateral and superior spread to the neck is typical in DOIs, whereas caudal progression is rare. Postoperative need for MV can be well recognized from CT.

Airway Management of Orofacial Infections Originating in the Mandible

The primary aim of this study was to assess the incidence of a difficult airway and emergency tracheostomy in patients with orofacial infections originating in the mandible, and a secondary aim was to determine the potential predictors of difficult intubation. This retrospective single-center study included all patients who were referred between 2015 and 2022 with an orofacial infection originating in the mandible and who were surgically drained under intubation anesthesia. The incidence of a difficult airway regarding ventilation, laryngoscopy, and intubation was analyzed descriptively. Associations between potential influencing factors and difficult intubation were examined via multivariable analysis. A total of 361 patients (mean age: 47.7 years) were included in the analysis. A difficult airway was present in 121/361 (33.5%) patients. Difficult intubation was most common in patients with infections of the massetericomandibular space (42.6%), followed by infections of the mouth floor (40%) and pterygomandibular space (23.5%). Dyspnea and stridor were not associated with the localization of infection (p = 0.6486/p = 0.4418). Multivariable analysis revealed increased age, restricted mouth opening, higher Mallampati scores, and higher Cormack-Lehane classification grades as significant predictors of difficult intubation. Higher BMI, dysphagia, dyspnea, stridor and a non-palpable mandibular rim did not influence the airway management. Patients with a difficult airway were more likely to be admitted to the ICU after surgery than patients with regular airway were (p = 0.0001). To conclude, the incidence of a difficult airway was high in patients with orofacial infections originating in the mandible. Older age, limited mouth opening, a higher Mallampati score, and a higher Cormack-Lehane grade were reliable predictors of difficult intubation.

The assessment and management of deep neck space infections in adults: A systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis

OBJECTIVES

To summarise current practices in the diagnosis and management of deep neck space infections (DNSIs). To inform future studies in developing a framework in the management of DNSIs.

DESIGN

This review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021226449) and reported in line with PRISMA guidelines. All studies from 2000 that reported the investigation or management of DNSI were included. The search was limited to English language only. Databases searched included AMED, Embase, Medline and HMIC. Quantitative analysis was undertaken with descriptive statistics and frequency synthesis with two independent reviewers. A qualitative narrative synthesis was conducted using a thematic analysis approach.

SETTING

Secondary or tertiary care centres that undertook management of DNSIs.

PARTICIPANTS

All adult patients with a DNSI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The role of imaging, radiologically guided aspiration and surgical drainage in DNSIs.

RESULTS

Sixty studies were reviewed. Thirty-one studies reported on imaging modality, 51 studies reported treatment modality. Aside from a single randomised controlled trial, all other studies were observational (n = 25) or case series (n = 36). Computer tomography (CT) was used to diagnose DNSI in 78% of patients. The mean percentage of management with open surgical drainage was 81% and 29.4% for radiologically guided aspiration, respectively. Qualitative analysis identified seven major themes on DNSI.

CONCLUSIONS

There are limited methodologically rigorous studies investigating DNSIs. CT imaging was the most used imaging modality. Surgical drainage was commonest treatment choice. Areas of further research on epidemiology, reporting guidelines and management are required.

Usefulness of preoperative computed tomography findings for airway management in patients with acute odontogenic infection: a retrospective study

Odontogenic infection is more likely to affect the airway and interfere with intubation than non-odontogenic causes. Although anesthesiologists predict the difficulty of intubation and determine the method, they may encounter unexpected cases of difficult intubation. An inappropriate intubation can cause airway obstruction due to bleeding and edema by damaging the pharynx and larynx. This study was performed to determine the most important imaging findings indicating preoperative selection of an appropriate intubation method. This retrospective study included 113 patients who underwent anti-inflammatory treatment for odontogenic infection. The patients were divided into two groups according to the intubation method: a Macintosh laryngoscope (45 patients) and others (video laryngoscope and fiberscope) (68 patients). The extent of inflammation in each causative tooth, the severity of inflammation (S1-4), and their influence on the airway were evaluated by computed tomography. The causative teeth were mandibular molars in more than 90%. As the severity of inflammation increased, anesthesiologists tended to choose intubation methods other than Macintosh laryngoscopy. In the most severe cases (S4), anesthesiologists significantly preferred other intubation methods (33 cases) over Macintosh laryngoscopy (9 cases). All patients with S4 showed inflammation in the parapharyngeal space, and the airway was affected in 41 patients. The mandibular molars were the causative teeth most likely to affect the airway and surrounding region. In addition to clinical findings, the presence or absence of inflammation that has spread to the parapharyngeal space on preoperative computed tomography was considered an important indicator of the difficulty of intubation.

Risk factors for difficult ventilatory weaning in intensive care patients with cervical cellulitis

PURPOSE

Cervical cellulitis is an infrequent but serious infection. The management of the upper airways is difficult, at the actual time of intubation but also regarding the necessity of maintaining mechanical ventilation. The objective of this study is to identify risk factors on admission to the intensive care unit for difficult ventilatory weaning in patients with cervical cellulitis.

METHODS

Between January 2013 and December 2018, this retrospective observational study was performed in an intensive care unit with 10 beds in a university hospital recognized as a reference center for the management of cellulitis. All intensive care patients receiving mechanical ventilation after surgery for cervical cellulitis were eligible. Difficult ventilatory weaning was defined as mechanical ventilation lasting more than 7 days or failure of extubation as established by the WIND 2017 study.

RESULTS

We included 120 patients with severe cervical cellulitis. The median age was 43 years. Eighteen patients (16%) presented mediastinal extension. The risk factor for difficult ventilatory weaning (n = 49) in multivariate analysis was a high level of procalcitonin on admission (OR at 1.14[1.005-1.29]; p&lt;0.042) and the protective factor was surgery in an expert center (OR at 0.11[0.026-0.47]; p&lt;0.003). Eight patients required a tracheotomy in our study: 3 patients during surgery and at a later time for the other 5 of our 8 patients.

CONCLUSION

No intensive care studies have investigated ventilatory weaning risk factors in patients with cervical cellulitis. Yet simple criteria seem to predict this risk. It is now necessary to confirm them by a multicenter prospective study.

Management of Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis, a Severe Complication of Deep Neck Infection, Based on Multidisciplinary Approaches and Departmental Co-Ordination

OBJECTIVES

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) developing after deep neck infection (DNI) is a potentially lethal disease of the mediastinum with a mortality rate as high as 40% prior to the 1990s. No standard treatment protocol is available. Here, we present the outcomes of our multidisciplinary approaches for treating DNM originating from a DNI.

METHODS

Between June 2016 and July 2021, there were 390 patients with DNIs admitting to our tertiary hospital. A total 21 patients with DNIs complicated with DNM were enrolled. The multidisciplinary approaches included establishment of airway security, appropriate surgery and antibiotics, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and intensive care unit management. The clinical variables were analyzed.

RESULTS

Two patients died and 19 survived (mortality 9.5%). The patients who died had a higher mean C-reactive protein (CRP) level than did those who survived (420.0 ± 110.3 vs 221.8 ± 100.6 mg/L) (P = .038). The most common pathogens were Streptococcus constellatus and Streptococcus anginosus. From 2001 to 2021, the average mortality rate of studies enrolling more than 10 patients was 16.1%.

CONCLUSION

Multidisciplinary approaches, early comprehensive medical treatment, and co-ordination among departments significantly reduce mortality. Patients with severe inflammation and high CRP levels require intensive and aggressive interventions.

Blunt Traumatic Retropharyngeal Hematoma with Respiratory Symptoms: A Systematic Review of Reported Cases

Background

In patients with blunt trauma, particularly geriatric patients and those with minor trauma, an insidious retropharyngeal hematoma (RH) may deteriorate and have lethal consequences. We review the relevant literature to elucidate the clinical characteristics, treatment, complications, and outcomes of blunt traumatic RH with respiratory symptoms. Data Resources. We reviewed 57 case reports and added one case from our hospital for data analysis. A total of 68 cases were included in this review.

Results

The ages of patients ranged from 13 to 94 years, and geriatric patients (age >66 years) constituted 61.2% of the reviewed patients. Falls (54.4%) and traffic accidents (35.3%) were the major trauma mechanisms. Most patients' symptoms developed within 24 hours of blunt trauma (95.2%), and 73.5% of patients with RH had at least one associated injury. Many patients underwent conservative treatment for RH (63.2%). Surgical treatment (23.5%) and transarterial embolization (8.8%) were used to control retropharyngeal hemorrhage. Twelve patients died; RH and cervical spinal injury were the direct causes of death in 5 patients, whereas the other 7 patients died because of cardiac, pulmonary, or gastrointestinal causes or withdrawal of life support.

Conclusions

Geriatric patients constituted the largest proportion of patients with RH, and minor trauma was adequate to result in RH in elderly people. The cornerstone of RH management is airway management. Surgery and transarterial embolization are commonly used to control active bleeding in patients with RH. The long-term outcome depends on patients' associated injuries and in-hospital complications.

Factors Affecting the Necessity of Tracheostomy in Patients with Deep Neck Infection

Deep neck infection (DNI) is a serious disease that can lead to airway obstruction, and some patients require a tracheostomy to protect the airway instead of intubation. However, no previous study has explored risk factors associated with the need for a tracheostomy in patients with DNI. This article investigates the risk factors for the need for tracheostomy in patients with DNI. Between September 2016 and February 2020, 403 subjects with DNI were enrolled. Clinical findings and critical deep neck spaces associated with a need for tracheostomy in patients with DNI were assessed. In univariate and multivariate analysis, older age (≥65 years old) (OR = 2.450, 95% CI: 1.163–5.161, p = 0.018), multiple spaces involved (≥3 spaces) (OR = 4.490, 95% CI: 2.153–9.360, p = 0.001), and the presence of mediastinitis (OR = 14.800, 95% CI: 5.097–42.972, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors associated with tracheostomy in patients with DNI. Among the 44 patients with DNI that required tracheostomy, ≥50% of patients had involvement of the parapharyngeal or retropharyngeal space (72.72% and 50.00%, respectively). Streptococcus constellatus (25.00%) was the most common pathogen in patients with DNI who required tracheostomy. In conclusion, requiring a tracheostomy was associated with a severe clinical presentation of DNI. Older age (≥65 years old), multiple spaces (≥3 spaces), and presence of mediastinitis were significant risk factors associated with tracheostomy in patients with DNI. The parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal spaces were the most commonly involved, and Streptococcus constellatus was the most common pathogen in the patients with DNI that required tracheostomy.

A novel risk score for the prediction of airway management in patients with deep neck space abscess: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Airway management, including noninvasive endotracheal intubation or invasive tracheostomy, is an essential treatment strategy for patients with deep neck space abscess (DNSA) to reverse acute hypoxia, which aids in avoiding acute cerebral hypoxia and cardiac arrest. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel risk score to predict the need for airway management in patients with DNSA.

METHODS

Patients with DNSA admitted to 9 hospitals in Guangdong Province between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020, were included. The cohort was divided into the training and validation cohorts. The risk score was developed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and logistic regression models in the training cohort. The external validity and diagnostic ability were assessed in the validation cohort.

RESULTS

A total of 440 DNSA patients were included, of which 363 (60 required airway management) entered into the training cohort and 77 (13 required airway management) entered into the validation cohort. The risk score included 7 independent predictors (p < 0.05): multispace involvement (odd ratio [OR] 6.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79-23.07, p < 0.001), gas formation (OR 4.95, 95% CI 2.04-12.00, p < 0.001), dyspnea (OR 10.35, 95% CI 3.47-30.89, p < 0.001), primary region of infection, neutrophil percentage (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.18, p = 0.015), platelet count to lymphocyte count ratio (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.01, p = 0.010), and albumin level (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80-0.92, p < 0.001). Internal validation showed good discrimination, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.951 (95% CI 0.924-0.971), and good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow [HL] test, p = 0.821). Application of the clinical risk score in the validation cohort also revealed good discrimination (AUC 0.947, 95% CI 0.871-0.985) and calibration (HL test, p = 0.618). Decision curve analyses in both cohorts demonstrated that patients could benefit from this risk score. The score has been transformed into an online calculator that is freely available to the public.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk score may help predict a patient's risk of requiring airway management, thus advancing patient safety and supporting appropriate treatment.

Changing trends of deep neck infections in southern China: A review of 127 cases

This study aimed to review our experience with the clinical characteristics and management of deep neck infections (DNIs) and determine the changing trends of their characteristics over time in southern China. Patients diagnosed with a DNI between January 2009 and December 2018 were screened retrospectively for their demographic characteristics, etiology of infection, site of infection, microbiology, treatment, and complications. In total, 127 patients were included: 41 (32.3%) were treated between 2009 and 2013 (group A), and 86 (67.7%) were treated between 2014 and 2018 (group B). The most common site of infection in group A was the parapharyngeal space (15 patients, 36.6%), while that in group B involved multiple spaces (36 patients, 41.9%). The leucocyte count (×109 cells/L) was 13.23 ± 4.19 in group A and 16.04 ± 4.33 in group B (p < 0.001). Streptococcus viridans was the most common bacteria in both groups. The mean hospital stay was 21.46 ± 33.09 days in group A and 10.44 ± 6.19 days in group B. The rate of diabetes mellitus (DM) in group A was lower than that in group B (8/41 and 33/86, respectively; p = 0.034). Airway obstruction was the most common complication in both groups. DNIs are more likely to show multi-space involvement, affect more DM patients, and be associated with higher leucocyte counts over time. We infer that the duration from morbidity to admission and that from admission to operation play roles in the successful management of DNIs, possibly causing fewer complications, lower mortality rates, and shorter hospital stays. DM patients require increased attention.

Deep neck space infection and Lemierre's syndrome caused by Streptococcus anginosus: A case report

Introduction

Deep neck space infections most commonly arise from a septic focus of the mandibular teeth, tonsils, parotid gland, middle ear or sinuses, usually with a rapid onset and frequently with progression to life-threatening complications. Lemierre’s syndrome is classically defined by an oropharyngeal infection with internal jugular vein thrombosis followed by metastatic infections in other organs.

Case presentation

A 32-year-old female patient, with no significant past medical history, was diagnosed with a dental abscess on her left inferior 3^rd molar. Six days later, the condition complicated with severe upper respiratory distress, odynophagia and trismus, and extension of the inflammatory signs to the anterior cervical region, involving the upper airway. Computed tomography scan confirmed extension to submandibular, parapharyngeal and retrosternal spaces), which required nasotracheal intubation due to compromised airway. Urgent and subsequent surgical drainages were performed, alongside with concomitant antibiotic therapy. Additionally, left internal jugular vein thrombosis was described - with later extension to the brachiocephalic vein, without other complications, consistent with Lemierre's syndrome, although without full features. Streptococcus anginosus was identified in the drained pus specimens. The patient made a satisfactory clinical progress and was discharged after 25 days, still under therapeutic hypocoagulation.

Conclusion

As deep neck space infections can be life-threatening, clinicians must be aware and not underestimate their potential severity. Lemierre's syndrome is a complication difficult to recognize, which requires additional awareness of the many possible presentations, for appropriate diagnostic studies and therapeutic plan.

Management of Deep Neck Space Infections in a Tertiary Center in North West Nigeria

Background

Deep neck space infection (DNSI) is a potentially fatal condition that more commonly results from dental and tonsillar infections. Timely intervention is, therefore, crucial when such patients present to the managing physician.

Objective

The objective of this study is to review the etiology, clinical presentation, and treatment outcome of patients managed for DNSIs over a period of 7 years at National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna.

Methodology

The record of patients managed for DNSIs over a 7-year period between January 2010 and December 2016 was reviewed. Data obtained included demographic characteristics such as age, sex, occupation, level of education, main presenting symptoms, duration of symptoms, etiology of the DNSI, location of the infection, comorbidity, bacteriology, duration of hospital stay, and type of treatment given. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences version 23.0.

Results

A total of 55 patients presented with DNSIs, and there were 34 (61.8%) females and 21 (38.2%) males, with a sex ratio of 1.6:1. The age range of the patients was 1-71 years, with a mean age of 30.7 years (standard deviation of 18.1). The most common etiologic factor among these patients was tonsillar-related infection which accounted for 24 (43.6%). The most common symptom at presentation was fever (96.4%), followed by odynophagia (60%). Peritonsillar space infection as seen in 25 (45.5%) patients was the most common region affected, followed by submandibular space infection. Of the 35 (64%) patients who had incision and drainage, Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated in 16 (45.7%), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (11, 31.4%). Majority (38, 69.1%) of the patients spent <5 days on admission.

Conclusion

This study shows that oropharyngeal and orodental infections are the most common causes of DNSIs. Educating the populace about orodental health may help in reducing cases of DNSIs in Nigeria.

Severe odontogenic deep neck space infections: risk factors for difficult airways and ICU admissions

PURPOSE

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate perioperative risk factors concerning difficult airway management, primary tracheostomy, and need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission in severe odontogenic space infections.

METHODS

Perioperative risk factors were retrospectively analyzed in 499 cases. Fisher's exact test and analysis of variance were performed to analyze associations between categorical and continuous variables. Univariate regression analysis was used for estimating predictors for ICU admission. A risk model for ICU admission was performed using multivariate regression analysis. Area-under-the-curve (AUC) was calculated by receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

Airway securing in patients with restricted mouth opening led to significant use of the video laryngoscope (p < 0.001) or fiberoptic bronchoscope (p < 0.001). The use of fiberoptic bronchoscopy was significantly increased in patients with dysphagia (p = 0.005) and dyspnea (p = 0.04). Four patients (0.8%) needed primary tracheostomy. ICU admission was significantly associated with higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP, p = 2.78 × 10^-5), white blood cell count (WBC, p = 0.003), dyspnea (p = 9.95 × 10^-6), and higher body mass index (BMI, p = 0.0003). American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA PS) class III patients (p = 0.04) and the need for the use of a video laryngoscopy (p = 0.003) or fiberoptic bronchoscopy (p = 6.58 × 10^-5) resulted in a more frequent ICU admission. The AUC of the model was 0.897.

CONCLUSION

Difficult airway management was mainly dependent on limited mouth opening and elevated CRP. Elevated CRP, BMI, ASA PS III, and dyspnea were important risk factors for ICU admission. These predictors should be considered preoperatively for proper planning and preparation.

Acute Fascial Space Infections of the Neck: 1034 cases in 17 years follow up

Aim

The aim of this study was to provide insight about all the common fascial space infections of the neck, their presentation, their etiology, complaints, length of stay, and the treatment given.

Patients and Methods

It was conducted in a tertiary center in Nadiad, Gujarat, India. A total of 1034 patients were treated for fascial space infections of the neck in the hospital from 2001 to 2017. There were 63.24% male and 36.75% female with age ranging from 21 days to 96 years having the mean age of 31.4 years.

Results

Odontogenic infection with poor oral hygiene as a cause was found in most (78.43%) of the abscesses. Diabetes was the most common comorbid condition found in 98 (9.47%) patients along with HIV found in ten (0.96%) patients. Pain (99.41%), fever (86.07%), swelling (86.94%), and dysphagia/odynophagia (67.21%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Ludwig's angina and submandibular abscess were found to be the most common deep head-and-neck space infection making up for 52% cases. The most common group of microorganisms isolated were Streptococcus sp. (19.82%) and Staphylococcus aureus (18.66%).

Conclusion

Treatment was given in the form of incision and drainage of the abscesses (83.69%) and systemic antibiotics (100%). The most common space infection among the deep neck infections is the submandibular space infection (52%). If the etiological factor was not removed which mostly was carious teeth, high chances of recurrence were found (27.27%). Four patients required tracheostomy, and there was one mortality in the entire series.

A severe deep neck odontogenic infection not prioritised by the emergency department triage system and National Early Warning Score

A 62-year-old man with a background of type 2 diabetes mellitus presented to the emergency department (ED) with a 5-day history of dental pain, progressive right facial swelling, trismus, dysphagia and voice changes. The oropharynx could not be directly examined completely due to trismus. The patient had a National Early Warning Score of 0 and so was triaged into the ‘minors’ section of ED. Following assessment by the on-call oral and maxillofacial surgeon, an urgent contrast-enhanced CT demonstrated a large parapharyngeal collection, which required urgent anaesthetic and surgical intervention. The patient developed pulmonary complications postoperatively, but eventually made a full recovery.

Life-threatening parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscess in an infant

Severe extensive deep neck abscess in an infant is uncommon. We share the case of a previously well 4-month old infant who was referred for a 4-day history of fever, lethargy and left lateral neck swelling. Contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed a large 5.3×8 cm collection involving the left parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal space, causing significant airway narrowing. 40 mL of frank pus was drained via intraoral incision and drainage with the aid of endoscope, and undesirable complications from an external approach were averted. The infant was extubated 48 hours postsurgery and was discharged home well after completion of 1 week of intravenous antibiotics. The child was discharged well from our follow-up at 1 month review. We discuss the pathophysiology of deep neck space abscesses, its incidence in the paediatric population and the various management options.

Erratum: Airway management in patients with deep neck infections: A retrospective analysis: Erratum

[This corrects the article on p. e4125 in vol. 95, PMID: 27399122.].