The usefulness of abscess tonsillectomy followed by intraoral drainage for parapharyngeal abscess concomitant with peritonsillar abscess in the elderly

Parapharyngeal abscess (PPA) may cause life-threatening complications and peritonsillar abscess (PTA) and tonsillitis frequently precede PPA. The optimal management of PPA caused by PTA has been the subject of debate with respect to the surgical approach. We present three cases of PPA concomitant with PTA in elderly patients. In two cases, the abscesses in parapharyngeal space were drained by abscess tonsillectomy followed by intraoral incision of the tonsillar bed. On the other hand, the third case did not undergo abscess tonsillectomy because of his refusal of surgery and needed extraoral drainage after the aggravation of PPA. Based on the experience of those three cases, it was suggested that abscess tonsillectomy followed by intraoral incision of the tonsillar bed might be a useful surgical approach for the drainage of PPA concomitant with PTA, especially in elderly patients.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the parapharyngeal space arising from cervical sympathetic chain: A rare entity

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) of parapharyngeal space are rare and if present are most often in association with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). Only a few cases of MPNST have been reported in the literature without coexisting NF. We report one such case of an MPNST of parapharyngeal space tumor in a 35-year-old female with no associated features of NF-1. She presented with right-sided neck swelling and ptosis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 7 cm × 8 cm × 11 cm irregular swelling in the right parapharyngeal space with invasion of surrounding muscles. The mass was excised using a transcervical approach. Postoperative histopathological examination of the specimen revealed MPNST possibly arising from the cervical sympathetic chain.

Giant De Novo Pleomorphic Adenoma of Parapharyngeal Space, Can It Cause Spinal Deformity? A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

INTRODUCTION

De novo giant pleomorphic adenoma is a rare tumor of the parapharyngeal space (PPS). Tumors of the PPS can grow to a large size, compromising the space of the upper aerodigestive tract. However, involvement of the paravertebral region is unexpected. In extremely exceptional circumstances, these tumors can produce spinal deformity.

CASE REPORT

A 25-year-old man presented with a longstanding mass in the neck and oral cavity. He had complaints of dysphagia, snoring, and restricted neck movements because of the large size of the tumor. Imaging showed a large mass occupying the PPS extending to the paravertebral region and causing deformity of the cervical spine. Excision was done uneventfully via a minimal access transcervical approach. Residual spinal deformity dealt with postoperative physiotherapy with improvement in lordosis and lateral tilt. No tumor recurrence occurred till 26 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Tumors of the PPS can grow to a large size and involve the neck and PPS, even causing spinal deformity. Careful evaluation is required for ascertaining the origin of the tumor and deciding the treatment plan.

Ultrasound-guided diagnosis on a parapharyngeal mass

Masses in the parapharyngeal area are rare and often due to infectious phenomena arising from the oral cavity or pharynx which lead to abscess formation. Less frequently, the lesion can be neoplastic. Tumours of the parapharyngeal space are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all head and neck neoplasms. We report the case of a patient who came to our observation for mandibular pain. Multiparametric diagnostic imaging was done thus showing a parapharyngeal mass. An ultrasound guided biopsy was performed by a transcutaneous route with a high median approach at neck level, to characterize the mass in the right tonsillar region. The histological examination reported the final histological diagnosis of sarcomatoid carcinoma.

A rare case of bronchogenic cyst in the parapharyngeal space

Ectopic bronchogenic cyst arising from the parapharyngeal space is extremely rare and has only been reported once in a case report written in Chinese. Here, we reported one case with such a rare congenital abnormality. The patient accidentally found a mass in the parapharyngeal space when taking the head MRI scan. The CT scan showed a 2.6 × 1.9 cm low-density nodule with a well-defined border. The pathological exam confirmed its diagnosis of parapharyngeal bronchogenic cyst.

Extensive Parapharyngeal Abscess in a 4-Month-Old Infant

Parapharyngeal abscess in an infant is a very rare condition. We present the case of a 4-month-old girl with large masses on the neck's left side. Computed tomography showed an extensive parapharyngeal abscess. Left tonsillectomy was performed under general anesthesia from a transoral approach, followed by an incision and evacuation of the abscess from the parapharyngeal space. Microbiological analysis identified a massive occurrence of Streptococcus intermedius.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to the Ventral-Medial Portion of Posterior Paramedian Skull Base: A Morphometric Perspective of Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to provide morphometric analysis of endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) to the ventral-medial portion of posterior paramedian skull base. Furthermore, it aims to investigate the surgical exposure obtained through EEA with and without eustachian tube (ET) removal, emphasizing the role of contralateral nostril (CN) access.

METHODS

Five fresh adult head specimens were prepared for dissection. A predissection and a postdissection computed tomography study was performed. A surgically oriented classification into 4 regions was used: 1) tubercular region; 2) occipital condyle region; 3) parapharyngeal space (PPhS) region; and 4) jugular foramen (JF) region. The Student t-test was used to compare angulations and measures of EEA with access from the ipsilateral and CN, respectively, with and without ET removal.

RESULTS

EEA to the ventral-medial portion of posterior paramedian skull base encompasses 2 medial trajectories (transtubercular and transcondylar) and 2 lateral pathways to the PPhS and JF. The CN access, without removal of the ET, allows a complete exposure of the petrous and intrajugular portion of the JF and superior PPhS without exposition of the parapharyngeal segment of internal carotid artery. The ipsilateral nostril approach with ET removal allows to obtain a wider exposure, reaching the medial sigmoid part of the JF. No significant differences exist in regard to transtubercular and transcondylar approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that EEA to posterior paramedian skull base allows the realization of a corridor directed to the jugular tubercle, occipital condyle, medial PPhS, and ventral-medial JF. The CN approach with ET preservation can expose the petrous and intrajugular parts of the JF and PPhS. Case series are needed to demonstrate benefits and drawbacks of these approaches.

Intraoral Approach for Parapharyngeal Branchial Cleft Cysts

Branchial cleft cyst (BCC) most frequently arises from the second branchial cleft and is located anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle at the mandibular angle. However, very rarely, this may occur in the parapharyngeal space. Interestingly, the parapharyngeal BCC is frequently misdiagnosed as a peritonsillar abscess. In this study, we reported 2 cases of parapharyngeal BCC misdiagnosed as peritonsillar abscess.

Transoral Endoscopic-Assisted Retrieval of Extraluminal Parapharyngeal Foreign Body

The ingested fish bone (FB) is a common presentation for otolaryngologists in Asia. For FBs which could be identified by examinations with or without nasopharyngoscopy, direct removal would be an appropriate management. However, an ingested FB could occasionally perforate pharyngeal mucosa and migrate extraluminally. Otolaryngologists should be extremely careful while evaluation and management of extraluminal FBs to prevent life-threatening condition. In this case report, we present a patient with a parapharyngeal extraluminal FB for 2 days which was detected by computed tomography scan of the neck. A transoral endoscopic-assisted retrieval of fish bone was performed after right tonsillectomy.

A Rare Case of Well-Differentiated Parapharyngeal Liposarcoma

Parapharyngeal liposarcoma is a rare malignant tumor, the pathogenesis of which is uncertain. Parapharyngeal liposarcoma often causes nonspecific clinical features, including dysphagia, globus sensation, and/or respiratory disturbances. The parapharyngeal space is a rare location for head and neck liposarcoma, and these lesions may therefore be confused with a variety of other tumors that can originate in this area. Here, we report a case of liposarcoma originating from the prestyloid parapharyngeal space and discuss the possible differential diagnosis on radiographic findings.

Approaches to Parapharyngeal Space and Infratemporal Fossa Based on Different Anatomical Spaces

OBJECTIVES

The parapharyngeal space (PPS) and infratemporal fossa (ITF) present significant challenges for endoscopic skull base surgery due to their complex anatomy and lack of clear bony landmarks. This study aims to propose a systematic compartmentalization of the PPS and ITF, based on key anatomical structures, to optimize surgical planning and approaches.

METHODS

To retain a precise bony reference framework, the walls of the maxillary sinus and pterygoid bone were preserved. Anatomical dissection was conducted along muscular planes, dividing the region into 3 spaces. The feasibility and applicability of the proposed compartmentalization were evaluated through cadaveric studies and verified in clinical cases.

RESULTS

The PPS and ITF were classified into 3 distinct spaces based on the positioning and orientation of the medial pterygoid, lateral pterygoid, levator veli palatini, and stylopharyngeus muscles. The first space is located anterior to the pterygoid muscles, the second lies between the pterygoid muscles and the levator veli palatini/stylopharyngeus, and the third is posterior to these latter muscles. Among 24 clinical cases reviewed, 3, 8, and 13 lesions were situated in the first, second, and third spaces, respectively. Surgical outcomes were favorable, with complete lesion resection and no intraoperative or postoperative complications observed.

CONCLUSIONS

A three-space model of the PPS and ITF, defined by specific muscle planes, provides a structured framework to guide endoscopic skull base approaches. This model allows for targeted selection of surgical routes based on lesion location and its relationship with the internal carotid artery, aiming to minimize procedural risks.

Clinical characteristics and efficacy of antimicrobial treatment in pediatric parapharyngeal abscess without surgical intervention

Parapharyngeal abscess (PPA) is a type of deep neck abscess. Due to its nonspecific clinical manifestations, early diagnosis of PPA is often challenging. Additionally, its anatomical location complicates decisions regarding the necessity of surgical intervention. Few studies have documented successful antibiotic treatment for PPA without surgical intervention. In Japan, the clinical course of pediatric patients with PPA managed exclusively with antibiotics remains unclear. This study investigated the clinical characteristics and effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy in children with PPA. In this single-center case series, we retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients diagnosed with PPA via contrast-enhanced computed tomography and treated at our hospital between October 2023 and October 2024. Data on patients' backgrounds, clinical symptoms, laboratory results, imaging, treatments, and outcomes were collected. Ten patients with PPA were included. None experienced complications such as sepsis or airway obstruction. Fever was the most common symptom (100 %), followed by neck pain (90 %) and neck immobility (80 %). All patients were treated with antibiotics without surgical intervention. Fever resolved within 3 days in eight patients but persisted for 21 days in one patient with an abscess >25 mm. Antimicrobial therapy without surgical intervention might be safe and effective for patients with PPA who lack life-threatening complications.

Myopericytoma: a rare case of parapharyngeal localization

This case study presents a 66-year-old man referred to the Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery department due to a one-history of persistent pain in the left posterior cervical region. No abnormalities were detected in the oral and pharyngeal regions during clinical and endoscopic examinations. Subsequently, a magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion (14 × 12 × 14 mm) into the left parapharyngeal space, with high signal intensity on T2-weighted images, enhancement after contrast medium, restricted signal on diffusion weighted imaging and high vascularization on perfusion MRI. The histological examination of the lesion led to a diagnosis of myopericitoma. Post-surgery, no adjuvant therapy was administered. Myopericytomas are rare soft-tissue benign neoplasms, predominantly reported in extremities, with a limited number of cases in the head and neck region and almost never described in the literature with elective localization in the parapharyngeal space.

Pediatric parapharyngeal infection resulting in cervical instability and occipital-cervical fusion-case report and review of the literature

Parapharyngeal infection is the most common deep neck space infection in children and, in rare instances, can result in bony destruction of the cervical spine. We report one such case that required occipital to cervical fusion and halo-vest fixation. We also review the literature and discuss the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment options for managing pediatric cervical bony destruction secondary to infection.

Evaluation of multiparametric MRI differentiating pleomorphic adenoma from schwannoma in parapharyngeal space

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate whether multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) and diffusion weighted (DW) MRI can differentiate pleomorphic adenoma (PA) from schwannoma in the parapharyngeal space.

METHODS

Forty-six patients with pathologically proven PAs and 47 schwannomas in the parapharyngeal space were enrolled. All patients underwent conventional MRI, and DW-MRI and DCE-MRI were performed in 30 and 33 patients, respectively. Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney-U tests and Independent samples t-test were used to compare variables between PAs and schwannomas. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the diagnostic performance of MRI parameters.

RESULTS

The PAs usually show lobulation sign, posterior displacement of ICA and attached to the parotid gland deep leaf, while bird beak configuration, anterior displacement of ICA and involvement of foramen jugular were more commonly seen in the schwannomas(all p < 0.001). The washout rate of PAs was found to be higher than that of schwannomas (p = 0.035), whereas no significance was found in the other DCE-MRI parameters and in ADCs(p > 0.05). Using a combination of conventional MRI features including lobulation sign, bird beak configuration, direction of internal carotid artery(ICA) displacement and attached to the parotid gland in multivariate logistic regression analysis, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in differential diagnosis of PAs and schwannomas were 97.8%, 91.5% and 94.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Conventional MRI can effectively differentiate PAs from schwannomas in the parapharyngeal space with a high diagnostic accuracy. The DCE-MRI and DWI have limited added diagnostic value to conventional MRI in the differential diagnosis.

Successful removal of metallic foreign body in the neck-mediastinum via the parapharyngeal space approach

Neck-mediastinum foreign body (FB) is a common emergency in otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery departments, and it can be lethal. We present a case of an uncommon foreign body in the neck-mediastinum. The FB was metallic and about 12 cm long. A 74-year-old male accidentally swallowed a metallic FB that lodged in his throat for > 3 days. The intake of the object was associated with smoking a peace pipe, and was an indication for surgery. Aerodermectasia was observed in the neck upon physical examination, and a high-density foreign body was found in the neck-mediastinum through cervicothoracic computed-tomography (CT) scan. Electronic laryngoscopy showed a white pseudo-membrane adhering to the surface of the bilateral piriform fossa in the right laryngeal vestibule, and the root of the tongue, and mucosa were swollen. Cervicothoracic CT revealed dense shadows in the neck-mediastinum. However, electronic laryngoscopy showed no FB in the larynx or piriform fossa. The metal FB was removed by surgery via the parapharyngeal space approach instead of endoscopy. After preoperative assessment and preparation, we successfully removed the metal FB from the neck-mediastinum via the parapharyngeal space approach. The patient was doing well at one-month follow-up. Neck-mediastinum FB is an emergency but rare case necessitating otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery. It can easily lead to mediastinal and lung infection; given its location in the body, it may lead to aortic arch rupture if not handled promptly.

Primary Pathology of the Parapharyngeal Space

The radiologically defined parapharyngeal space is a distinct location on cross-sectional imaging and is often described based on its displacement or invasion by tumors or other pathologies in adjacent spaces; however, there are multiple primary pathologic entities of the parapharyngeal space, which are often forgotten. Recognizing that a lesion is arising from the parapharyngeal space is important in generating an accurate differential diagnosis that will guide management.

Parathyroid Adenoma at the Parapharyngeal Space Detected on 99m Tc-Sestamibi SPECT/CT

ABSTRACT

A 77-year-old woman was diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism, and initial cervical ultrasonography found no parathyroid lesion, and she was referred to the nuclear medicine unit for dual-phase 99m Tc-sestamibi (MIBI) scan. The scintigraphy unveiled heterogeneous uptake patterns across bilateral thyroid lobes, corresponding to the thyroid nodules, alongside a marked focal uptake with delayed tracer washout in the right oral region. The SPECT/CT pinpointed a MIBI-avid nodule within the right parapharyngeal space, indicative of parathyroid ectopia. An ectopic parapharyngeal parathyroid adenoma is exceptionally rare. MIBI scan plays a pivotal role in detection of ectopic parathyroid adenoma at unexpected sites.

A Giant Schwannoma Extending from Medial Portion of Middle Cranial Fossa to Parapharyngeal Space and Deep Parotid Space

Trigeminal schwannomas are rare tumours comprising 0.2% of all intracranial tumours and 0.5% of all head and neck tumours. Patients with trigeminal schwannomas presented with facial hypoesthesia and pain. We presented a case with left bulging oropharynx. The CT scan showed a 3.8x2.6x4.9cm left parapharyngeal tumour compressed to the oropharynx and middle cranial fossa. We performed 3 ways in two times of operation to excise the whole tumour. We chose the transoral approach for parapharyngeal space, trans-parotid approach for deep parotid part and the endoscopic endonasal trans-pterygoid approach and trans-maxillary with Canine fossa trephination for intracranial lesions. The pathology showed schwannoma. A huge schwannoma extended from intracranial to several spaces is difficult to resect just by one approach. We should separate the tumour to several parts by clinical image before the operation and design a plan to remove the whole tumour in different approach. The different space of tumour involvement had several ways to access. We needed to choose the less harm but with better surgical field.

Parapharyngeal Space: Diagnostic Imaging and Intervention

Diagnosis of lesions of the parapharyngeal space (PPS) often poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to its deep location. As a result of the topographical relationship to nearby neck spaces, a very precise differential diagnosis is possible based on imaging criteria. When in doubt, imaging-guided - usually CT-guided - biopsy and even drainage remain options.Through a precise analysis of the literature including the most recent publications, this review precisely describes the basic and most recent imaging applications for various PPS pathologies and the differential diagnostic scheme for assigning the respective lesions in addition to the possibilities of using interventional radiology.The different pathologies of PPS from congenital malformations and inflammation to tumors are discussed according to frequency. Characteristic criteria and, more recently, the use of advanced imaging procedures and the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) allow a very precise differential diagnosis and support further diagnosis and therapy. After precise access planning, almost all pathologies of the PPS can be biopsied or, if necessary, drained using CT-assisted procedures.Radiological procedures play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment planning of PPS pathologies. · Lesions of the PPS account for about 1-2% of all pathologies of the head and neck region. The majority are benign lesions and inflammatory processes.. · If differential diagnostic questions remain unanswered, material can - if necessary - be obtained via a CT-guided biopsy. Exclusion criteria are hypervascularized processes, especially paragangliomas and angiomas.. · The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in head and neck imaging of various pathologies, such as tumor segmentation, pathological TMN classification, detection of lymph node metastases, and extranodal extension, has significantly increased in recent years.. · Vogl TJ, Burck I, Stöver T et al. Parapharyngeal Space: Diagnostic Imaging and Intervention. Rofo 2025; 197: 638-646.

Beyond the throat: Imaging of parapharyngeal space lesions

The parapharyngeal space (PPS) is a pyramidal-shaped fat-filled space in the head and neck, between the base of the skull and the hyoid bone. It is a vital anatomic structure in head and neck imaging and serves as a path for the spread of infection or tumor, a critical landmark for diagnosing various lesions in this region, and a potential site of infections. The purpose of this pictorial review is to illustrate the anatomy of the PPS, the pathologies in and around PPS, and the distinguishing imaging characteristics of these lesions. It also explores the limitations and challenges of imaging techniques in certain scenarios as well as the surgical approaches for PPS masses, emphasizing their radiological relevance. The review aims to underscore the significance of a multidisciplinary approach, involving radiologists, otolaryngologists, and head and neck surgeons, in interpreting imaging findings and determining the most appropriate management strategies for PPS lesions for improved patient outcomes.

Anatomical limits of the parapharyngeal space using a transoral endoscopic approach - Radioanatomical study in cadaver

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to obtain the anatomical limits of the parapharyngeal space by transoral surgical approach, in order to objectively determine the types of lesions according to location, where this type of approach is more indicated.

METHODS

A prospective, experimental, radio-anatomical study was performed on 10 cryopreserved human heads(20 sides). A transoral approach of the parapharyngeal space was performed determining its anatomical limits by CT navigation. A statistical analysis of the registered variables was carried out.

RESULTS

Intraoral endoscopic dissection of the parapharyngeal space was possible in all anatomical pieces (10 heads, 20 sides). The surgical technique was started by placing a laryngopharyngoscopic retractor. The scalpel incision was made from the posterior border of the hard palate, extending along the lateral border of the soft palate, following the glossopalatine arch and ending at the base of the tongue, in its posterolateral region. Under direct vision with a 0º rigid endoscope, we proceeded to the dissection by planes, identifying all the relevant vasculonervous, osseous and muscular structures. Once all the anatomical references were located, the planned measurements were taken using the surgical navigator.

CONCLUSIONS

The endoscopic intraoral approach constitutes a feasible, safe and direct access route to the parapharyngeal space. This approach would be especially indicated in lesions of the parapharyngeal space (PPS) that do not exceed the styloid and pterygoid processes cranially, do not have significant retrostylial extension and do not substantially reach the lower area of the PPS.