Retropharyngeal Abscess

Image description

Lateral radiograph of the airway (image 1) shows widening of the retropharyngeal soft tissues with narrowing of the upper airway. Soft tissue stranding is present in the submandibular space. Axial contrast-enhanced CT (images 2 and 3) shows a retropharyngeal fluid collection (arrow) with faint rim enhancement (arrowhead).

Teaching point

On lateral neck radiographs, abnormal widening of the retropharyngeal soft tissues and airway narrowing raise concern for deep neck space infection. CT can help to distinguish an abscess from phlegmon. Key distinguishing features include air within a collection or nearby soft tissues or a low-attenuation collection with peripheral enhancement.

Diagnosis added by author

Retropharyngeal Abscess

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