Sandbox:Retropharyngeal abscess

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Vishal Devarkonda, M.B.B.S[2]

Overview

Retropharyngeal space is a deep space in neck extending from the base of skull to the posterior mediastinum. Microorganisms can be introduced into this space either through lymphatic or direct or traumatic spread leading to cellulitis. Cellulitis may progress to form phlegmon, which in-turn progress to form mature abscess. Most common causes of retropharyngeal abscess are polymicrobial infections, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus [GAS]), Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA]), and respiratory anaerobes. Retropharyngeal abscess commonly affects children, median age being 4 years for children. Common complications of retropharyngeal abscess are life-threatening descending necrotizing mediastinitis, sepsis, internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis, and mediastinitis. Patients with retropharyngeal abscess may present with pain in neck, fever, sore throat, and mass in neck . Diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess is based on clinical presentation supported by radio-graphic imaging. Management predominantly consists of empiric intravenous antibiotics or combination of surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotics.

Historical Perspective

  • The exact origins of the disease is not clearly known. The term abscess is derived from latin term abscessus(meaning: act of going away)
  • In 1926, Guthrie described a case of retropharyngeal abscess in childhood.[1]
  • In 1946, Davidson described a case of retropharyngeal abscess in adults.[2]

Classification

There is no established classification system for retropharyngeal abscess.

Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of retropharyngeal abscess can be discussed in following headings:[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]

Anatomy of retropharyngeal space

Retropharyngeal space is a deep space of neck extending from the base of skull to the posterior mediastinum. Space is bordered anteriorly by middle layer of deep cervical fascia(buccopharyngeal fascia), posteriorly by deep layer of deep cervical fascia, laterally by carotid sheath containing carotid artery and jugular vein.

Transmission

Transmission of microorganisms into the retropharyngeal space could be through trauma or direct or lymphatic spread.

Mode of transmission of infection to retropharyngeal space
Lymphatic spread Retropharyngeal space consists two pair of lymph nodes, which drains nasopharynx, adenoids, posterior paranasal sinuses, middle ear, and eustachian tube. Draining lymph nodes may get inflamed/infected following an upper respiratory tract infection. Lymph node may undergo liquefaction necrosis, which my progress into retropharyngeal cellulitis, which left untreated can progress to abscess formation. However by age 4 years, these lymph nodes undergo spontaneous atrophy.
Direct spread/ Trauma Adults

In adults, retropharyngeal space can be contaminated by direct trauma(eg, penetrating foreign trauma, endoscopy, dental procedures) or extension of local infection such as odontogenic infection, ludwig's angina, osteomyelitis of cervical spine.

Children

In children, retropharyngeal space can be contaminated by direct trauma to oropharynx(swallowing a foreign body or running and falling with an object in mouth).

Immune response

Introduction of infections into retropharyngeal space either through lymphatic or direct or traumatic spread may lead to suppurative adenitis of retropharyngeal lymph nodes or cellulitis of retropharyngeal space. Cellulitis may progress to form phlegmon, which inturn progress to form mature abscess.

Causes

Polymicrobial infection is often responsible for retropharyngeal abscess. The other organisms involved in causing retropharyngeal abscess include:[3][4][13][14][15][16][17]

Most common causes

  • Veillonella

Less common causes

Epidemiology and Demographics

There are no comprehensive studies studying the epidemiology and demographics of retropharyngeal abscess worldwide.

Incidence

In United states, incidence of retropharyngeal abscess in kids under age 20 years is 4.10 per 100,000 population for year 2012.[18]

Case Fatality Rate

Case fatality rate for retropharyngeal abscess varies from study to study, it ranges from low of zero case fatalities(after reviewing the data from 1321 pediatric admissions with retropharyngeal abscess in year 2003) to high of 2.6% case fatalities(234 adults with deep space neck infections in adults).[19]

Age

Retropharyngeal abscess commonly affects children, with median age being 4 years for children.[20]

Gender

Retropharyngeal abscess is more commonly affects in males than in females. The gender ratio is approximately 1.63.[21]

Race

In year 2015, a comprehensive study analysed 6233 patients admitted to US hospitals with retropharyngeal abscess from year 2003 to 2012 and reported that for year 2012, 49.5% of the admitted patients were white, 19.2% were black, 21.9 % were hispanic and 9.5% were other race.[22]

Screening

There are no established screening guidelines to screen patients for retropharyngeal abscess.

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

Natural history

If left untreated or appropriate medial or surgical interventions are delayed, patients with retropharyngeal abscess may develop life threatening complications which include mediastinitis, sepsis and internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis.[3][4][5][6]

Complications

Complications of retropharyngeal abscess include:[23][24][25]

Prognosis

The prognosis of retropharyngeal abscess is good when detected early and appropriately treated. Relapse may occur in 1 to 5 percent of cases.[26][27]

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on the clinical presentation supported by radiographic imaging:[28][4][13][29][30][31][32][33]

History and symptoms

Patients with retropharyngeal abscess may present with:

Physical examination

Role of physical examination in diagnosing retropharyngeal abscess is limited, as most of the patients aren't able to open the mouth widely.

Patients with suspected retropharyngeal abscess should be examined in a head-down position(trendelenburg) position. It is recommended to perform examination in an operation room as it permits to place an artificial airway, if necessary. A midline or unilateral swelling of the posterior pharyngeal wall can be appreciated.

Other physical examination findings include

Laboratory findings

Laboratory findings may show non-specific leukocytosis.

Imaging

Diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess should be ultimately supported by radio-graphic imaging. In suspected patients, an initial lateral and anterio-posterior X-ray of neck should be ordered, which is usually followed with CT scan of the neck with IV contrast. CT scan not only helps in diagnosing the retropharyngeal abscess but also helps in identifying the position of carotid artery and internal jugular vein in relation to the infectious process.

Plain X-ray

Lateral neck X ray demonstrate thickening of soft tissue with possible gas-fluid levels in the pre-vertebral cervical space.

Pathological widening of retropharyngeal space should be considered, if it is greater than 22 mm at C6 in adults and 7 mm at C2 or 14 mm at C6 in children.

Other X ray findings include:

CT scan

Patients with retropharyngeal abscess, abscess may appear as

  • Mass impinging on the posterior pharyngeal wall
  • Complete rim enhancement with scalloping is indicative of an abscess
  • Low density core, soft tissue swelling, obliterated fat planes are other common CT scan associated findings with retropharyngeal abscess
Retropharyngeal abscess CT-axial CT of the neck demonstrates an extensive multi-loculated collection located posterior and to the right of the pharynx. The oropharynx and hypopharynx are both distorted, narrowed and displaced anteriorly and towards the left.

Management

There are no comprehensive randomized controlled studies evaluating the management of retropharyngeal infections. Patients should be ideally hospitalized in a setting where intubation or tracheotomy are easily accessible, in case if there is any respiratory compromise. Management predominantly consists of empiric intravenous antibiotics or combination of surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotics. During hospitalization patient should be regularly monitored for airway patency, hydration status, and potential complications.

Management of retropharyngeal abscess in children and adults follows:[34][4][35][36][36][37][38][39]

Children

Combination of surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotics

Widely accepted indications for surgical drainage of abscess include: airway compromise, or failure to response after 24-24 hrs of administration of empiric anti microbial therapy, or CT scan showing large (>3 cm2) hypodense area(indicative of mature abscess) or life-threatening complications. Drainage fluid should be sent for culture and sensitivity, for choosing appropriate antibiotics for further management.

Medical therapy

Trail of antimicrobial therapy for initial 24 to 48 hours without surgical drainage should be considered in patients who do not have airway compromise, CT scan showing cross-sectional hypodense area between <2 to 3 cm2 and no life-threatening complications.

Empiric intravenous antibiotic include:

  • Ampicillin-sulbactam (50 mg/kg 6 h iv) or Clindamycin (15 mg/kg per dose [maximum single dose 900 mg]every 8 h IV).
  • In patients with moderate or severe disease who do not respond to empiric therapy, additional intravenous Vancomycin (40 to 60 mg/kg per day divided in three to four doses; maximum daily dose 2 to 4 g or Linezolid (<12 years: 30 mg/kg per day divided in three doses; ≥12 years: 20 mg/kg per day in two doses; maximum daily dose 1200 mg) should be considered to optimize the coverage against Gram-positive cocci.
  • Once the patients is afebrile and shows signs of clinical improvement a 14 day oral antimicrobial therapy with either Amoxicillin-clavulanate (45 mg/kg per dose 12 h oral), or Clindamycin (13 mg/kg 8 h oral) should be prescribed.
  • Antimicrobial therapy should be adequately supplemented with analgesics, antipyretics and intravenous fluids.

Adults

Combination of surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotics

Widely accepted indications for surgical drainage of abscess include: airway compromise, or failure to response after 24-24 hrs of administration of empiric antimicrobial therapy, or CT scan showing large volume abscess or life-threatening complication. Drainage fluid should be sent for culture and sensitivity, for choosing appropriate antibiotics for further management.

Medical therapy

Trail of antimicrobial therapy for initial 24 to 48 hours without surgical drainage should be considered in patients who do not have airway compromise, CT scan showing small volume abscess and no life-threatening complications.

Antibiotics regimen coverage for deep neck space infections[40]
Antibiotics regimen Coverage rate (%)
Ceftriaxone, clindamycin 76.40%
Ceftriaxone, metronidazole 70.79%
Cefuroxime, clindamycin 61.80%
Penicillin G, metronidazole 16.85%
Penicillin, gentamicin, clindamycin 67.42%

Preferred medical therapies

Preferred regimen

Ampicillin-sulbactam 3 g/6h IV

Alternative regimens

In patients with moderate or severe disease or having MRSA risk factors(higher incidence of MRSA in hospital and community, IV drug abuse or co-morbid conditions like diabetes mellitus, living in crowed places) or who do not respond to empiric therapy, additional intravenous vancomycin (15 to 20 mg/kg/12 h IV) or linezolid (600 mg/12 h IV) should be considered to optimize the coverage against gram-positive cocci.

Antimicrobial therapy should be adequately supplemented with analgesics, antipyretics and intravenous fluids.

Duration

Once the patients is afebrile and shows signs of clinical improvement IV antibiotics can be replaced with oral antibiotics. Oral antibiotics should be continued for 2-3 weeks after discharge to prevent recurrence or complications.

Discharge instructions

Patients should be asked to report to the health care provider if they notice any new onset of enlarging mass, difficulty in breathing, worsening pain, fever and any stiffness in neck.

Prevention

Primary Prevention

There are no established primary preventive measures for preventing retropharyngeal abscess.

Secondary prevention

There are no established secondary prevention measures, but early detection and appropriate medical and surgical intervention can help in early recovery and prevention of complications.

References

  1. ↑ Guthrie D (1926). "Acute Retropharyngeal Abscess in Childhood". Br Med J. 2 (3441): 1174–5. PMC 2524315. PMID 20772906.
  2. ↑ DAVIDSON M (1949). "Abscesses of the retropharyngeal spaces in adults". Laryngoscope. 59 (10): 1146–70. PMID 15406726.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Asmar BI (1990). "Bacteriology of retropharyngeal abscess in children". Pediatr Infect Dis J. 9 (8): 595–7. PMID 2235179.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 McClay JE, Murray AD, Booth T (2003). "Intravenous antibiotic therapy for deep neck abscesses defined by computed tomography". Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 129 (11): 1207–12. doi:10.1001/archotol.129.11.1207. PMID 14623752.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Ungkanont K, Yellon RF, Weissman JL, Casselbrant ML, González-Valdepeña H, Bluestone CD (1995). "Head and neck space infections in infants and children". Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 112 (3): 375–82. PMID 7870436.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Page NC, Bauer EM, Lieu JE (2008). "Clinical features and treatment of retropharyngeal abscess in children". Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 138 (3): 300–6. doi:10.1016/j.otohns.2007.11.033. PMID 18312875.
  7. ↑ Philpott CM, Selvadurai D, Banerjee AR (2004). "Paediatric retropharyngeal abscess". J Laryngol Otol. 118 (12): 919–26. PMID 15667676.
  8. ↑ Poluri A, Singh B, Sperling N, Har-El G, Lucente FE (2000). "Retropharyngeal abscess secondary to penetrating foreign bodies". J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 28 (4): 243–6. doi:10.1054/jcms.2000.0151. PMID 11110158.
  9. ↑ Sethi DS, Chew CT (1991). "Retropharyngeal abscess--the foreign body connection". Ann Acad Med Singapore. 20 (5): 581–8. PMID 1781639.
  10. ↑ Singh B, Kantu M, Har-El G, Lucente FE (1997). "Complications associated with 327 foreign bodies of the pharynx, larynx, and esophagus". Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 106 (4): 301–4. doi:10.1177/000348949710600407. PMID 9109720.
  11. ↑ Morrison JE, Pashley NR (1988). "Retropharyngeal abscesses in children: a 10-year review". Pediatr Emerg Care. 4 (1): 9–11. PMID 3283710.
  12. ↑ Gaglani MJ, Edwards MS (1995). "Clinical indicators of childhood retropharyngeal abscess". Am J Emerg Med. 13 (3): 333–6. doi:10.1016/0735-6757(95)90214-7. PMID 7755832.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Wright CT, Stocks RM, Armstrong DL, Arnold SR, Gould HJ (2008). "Pediatric mediastinitis as a complication of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus retropharyngeal abscess". Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 134 (4): 408–13. doi:10.1001/archotol.134.4.408. PMID 18427007.
  14. ↑ Brook I (2004). "Microbiology and management of peritonsillar, retropharyngeal, and parapharyngeal abscesses". J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 62 (12): 1545–50. PMID 15573356.
  15. ↑ Inman JC, Rowe M, Ghostine M, Fleck T (2008). "Pediatric neck abscesses: changing organisms and empiric therapies". Laryngoscope. 118 (12): 2111–4. doi:10.1097/MLG.0b013e318182a4fb. PMID 18948832.
  16. ↑ Abdel-Haq N, Quezada M, Asmar BI (2012). "Retropharyngeal abscess in children: the rising incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus". Pediatr Infect Dis J. 31 (7): 696–9. doi:10.1097/INF.0b013e318256fff0. PMID 22481424.
  17. ↑ Cheng J, Elden L (2013). "Children with deep space neck infections: our experience with 178 children". Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 148 (6): 1037–42. doi:10.1177/0194599813482292. PMID 23520072.
  18. ↑ Woods CR, Cash ED, Smith AM, Smith MJ, Myers JA, Espinosa CM; et al. (2016). "Retropharyngeal and Parapharyngeal Abscesses Among Children and Adolescents in the United States: Epidemiology and Management Trends, 2003-2012". J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 5 (3): 259–68. doi:10.1093/jpids/piv010. PMID 26407249.
  19. ↑ Woods CR, Cash ED, Smith AM, Smith MJ, Myers JA, Espinosa CM; et al. (2016). "Retropharyngeal and Parapharyngeal Abscesses Among Children and Adolescents in the United States: Epidemiology and Management Trends, 2003-2012". J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 5 (3): 259–68. doi:10.1093/jpids/piv010. PMID 26407249.
  20. ↑ Woods CR, Cash ED, Smith AM, Smith MJ, Myers JA, Espinosa CM; et al. (2016). "Retropharyngeal and Parapharyngeal Abscesses Among Children and Adolescents in the United States: Epidemiology and Management Trends, 2003-2012". J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 5 (3): 259–68. doi:10.1093/jpids/piv010. PMID 26407249.
  21. ↑ Woods CR, Cash ED, Smith AM, Smith MJ, Myers JA, Espinosa CM; et al. (2016). "Retropharyngeal and Parapharyngeal Abscesses Among Children and Adolescents in the United States: Epidemiology and Management Trends, 2003-2012". J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 5 (3): 259–68. doi:10.1093/jpids/piv010. PMID 26407249.
  22. ↑ Woods CR, Cash ED, Smith AM, Smith MJ, Myers JA, Espinosa CM; et al. (2016). "Retropharyngeal and Parapharyngeal Abscesses Among Children and Adolescents in the United States: Epidemiology and Management Trends, 2003-2012". J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 5 (3): 259–68. doi:10.1093/jpids/piv010. PMID 26407249.
  23. ↑ Page NC, Bauer EM, Lieu JE (2008). "Clinical features and treatment of retropharyngeal abscess in children". Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 138 (3): 300–6. doi:10.1016/j.otohns.2007.11.033. PMID 18312875.
  24. ↑ Craig FW, Schunk JE (2003). "Retropharyngeal abscess in children: clinical presentation, utility of imaging, and current management". Pediatrics. 111 (6 Pt 1): 1394–8. PMID 12777558.
  25. ↑ Goldenberg D, Golz A, Joachims HZ (1997). "Retropharyngeal abscess: a clinical review". J Laryngol Otol. 111 (6): 546–50. PMID 9231089.
  26. ↑ Thompson JW, Cohen SR, Reddix P (1988). "Retropharyngeal abscess in children: a retrospective and historical analysis". Laryngoscope. 98 (6 Pt 1): 589–92. doi:10.1288/00005537-198806000-00001. PMID 3374231.
  27. ↑ Coulthard M, Isaacs D (1991). "Retropharyngeal abscess". Arch Dis Child. 66 (10): 1227–30. PMC 1793510. PMID 1953008.
  28. ↑ Page NC, Bauer EM, Lieu JE (2008). "Clinical features and treatment of retropharyngeal abscess in children". Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 138 (3): 300–6. doi:10.1016/j.otohns.2007.11.033. PMID 18312875.
  29. ↑ Coulthard M, Isaacs D (1991). "Neonatal retropharyngeal abscess". Pediatr Infect Dis J. 10 (7): 547–9. PMID 1876473.
  30. ↑ Sztajnbok J, Grassi MS, Katayama DM, Troster EJ (1999). "Descending suppurative mediastinitis: nonsurgical approach to this unusual complication of retropharyngeal abscesses in childhood". Pediatr Emerg Care. 15 (5): 341–3. PMID 10532666.
  31. ↑ Lazor JB, Cunningham MJ, Eavey RD, Weber AL (1994). "Comparison of computed tomography and surgical findings in deep neck infections". Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 111 (6): 746–50. doi:10.1177/019459989411100608. PMID 7991254.
  32. ↑ Kirse DJ, Roberson DW (2001). "Surgical management of retropharyngeal space infections in children". Laryngoscope. 111 (8): 1413–22. doi:10.1097/00005537-200108000-00018. PMID 11568578.
  33. ↑ Daya H, Lo S, Papsin BC, Zachariasova A, Murray H, Pirie J; et al. (2005). "Retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal infections in children: the Toronto experience". Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 69 (1): 81–6. doi:10.1016/j.ijporl.2004.08.010. PMID 15627452.
  34. ↑ Harkani A, Hassani R, Ziad T, Aderdour L, Nouri H, Rochdi Y; et al. (2011). "Retropharyngeal abscess in adults: five case reports and review of the literature". ScientificWorldJournal. 11: 1623–9. doi:10.1100/2011/915163. PMC 3201680. PMID 22125422.
  35. ↑ Vural C, Gungor A, Comerci S (2003). "Accuracy of computerized tomography in deep neck infections in the pediatric population". Am J Otolaryngol. 24 (3): 143–8. PMID 12761699.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Stein MT, Trauner D (1982). "The child with a stiff neck". Clin Pediatr (Phila). 21 (9): 559–63. doi:10.1177/000992288202100908. PMID 7105615.
  37. ↑ Broughton RA (1992). "Nonsurgical management of deep neck infections in children". Pediatr Infect Dis J. 11 (1): 14–8. PMID 1549402.
  38. ↑ Saluja S, Brietzke SE, Egan KK, Klavon S, Robson CD, Waltzman ML; et al. (2013). "A prospective study of 113 deep neck infections managed using a clinical practice guideline". Laryngoscope. 123 (12): 3211–8. doi:10.1002/lary.24168. PMID 23918509.
  39. ↑ Waggie Z, Hatherill M, Millar A, France H, Van Der Merwe A, Argent A (2002). "Retropharyngeal abscess complicated by carotid artery rupture". Pediatr Crit Care Med. 3 (3): 303–304. doi:10.1097/01.PCC.0000019791.40189.F6. PMID 12780973.
  40. ↑ Yang SW, Lee MH, See LC, Huang SH, Chen TM, Chen TA (2008). "Deep neck abscess: an analysis of microbial etiology and the effectiveness of antibiotics". Infect Drug Resist. 1: 1–8. PMC 3108716. PMID 21694873.
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