Retropharyngeal abscess is a rare condition presenting in
infants (<1 year of age). Clinical symptoms include fever and drooling.
As a result of
the swelling within the posterior pharyngeal wall causing upper airway
obstruction, the child
will typically hold their neck in extension to assist
breathing.
A lateral soft tissue neck radiograph taken with the neck held in extension is
indicated if a retropharyngeal
abscess is suspected. If it is positive, it will demonstrate
air within the swollen retropharyngeal tissues, as shown by the x-ray
above. A contrast enhanced computerized tomography (CT) examination will confirm the
diagnosis.
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