Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2004 Feb;47(2):185-189.

A Case of Deep Neck Infection by Tuberculosis Destroying the Cervical Vertebrae

• Hwang JY
• Kim JM
• Lee YM
• Choung WC

Abstract

Deep neck infections affect fascial compartment of the head and neck, and their contents. Fever, pain, and swelling are the most common presenting symptoms. Also, the development of septic shock or mediastinitis depends on the degree of progression of the disease. The advent of antibiotics decreases the incidence and mortality of the deep neck infection. Antibiotics also alters the causation and management of this disease. In a recent report, mixed species with anaerobe were found in 50% of patients, whereas Staphylococci and Hemolytic streptococci were the leading causes of deep nect infections in the past. Also, in the case of immunocompromised host, deep neck infections caused by tuberculosis or fungus are not excluded. We experienced a 23 year old man with deep neck infection caused by tuberculosis presenting bone destruction of cervical spine. In this article, we reviewed the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of this case, with a review of literatures.

Keyword

Retropharyngeal abscess; Tuberculosis; Cervical vertebrae

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Cervical Vertebrae*
Diagnosis
Female
Fever
Fungi
Head
Humans
Immunocompromised Host
Incidence
Mediastinitis
Mortality
Neck*
Retropharyngeal Abscess
Shock, Septic
Spine
Tuberculosis*
Young Adult
Anti-Bacterial Agents