Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  1997 Mar;40(3):435-439.

Retropharyngeal Abscess Associated with Osteomyelitis of the Cervical Spine and an Epidural Abscess

• Jang YJ

Abstract

The author experienced a case of retropharyngeal abscess associated with osteomyelitis of the cervical vertebra and an epidural abscess of the cervical spinal cord. The patient initially presented with septicemia and compromised airway. The patient was tracheotomized and retropharyngeal abscess was drained via transoral approach. Following the drainage operation, the patient was stabilized and symptoms were improved. Three days after the operation, the patient deteriorated again with severe neck pain, increasing white blood cell count, and numbness on both shoulders. Computerized tomographic scan taken for evaluation of neck pain revealed osteomyelitis of the cervical vertebra along with an epidural abscess of the cervical spinal cord. The patient was conservatively managed using intravenous antibiotics for 4 weeks and discharged with no untoward sequalae.

Keyword

Retropharyngeal abscess; Osteomyelitis; Epidural abscess

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Drainage
Epidural Abscess*
Humans
Hypesthesia
Leukocyte Count
Neck Pain
Osteomyelitis*
Retropharyngeal Abscess*
Sepsis
Shoulder
Spinal Cord
Spine*
Anti-Bacterial Agents