Retropharyngeal cellulitis complicated by cervical spondylodiscitis: A case report

Abstract

Secondary to pharyngeal trauma such as endotracheal intubation, endoscopy and after foreign body ingestion, or removal may develop retropharyngeal cellulitis in adults. These infections occur mainly in children between 1 to 8 years of age with 75% of cases occurring before the age of 5 years. Retropharyngeal cellulitis is a serious deep space infection which can extend from neck to the mediastinum. Herein, we represent a case of 24-year-old female patient who presented with neck pain, odynophagia, and malaise two months after accidental ingestion of a little pin. Uncomplicated removal of this pin was followed by development of retropharyngeal cellulitis and cervical spondylodiscitis. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous and oral antibiotics for 12 weeks without need to surgical intervention. We believe that early and aggressive medical treatment can eradicate nonsuppurative complicated retropharyngeal infection without the need for surgery. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2015;5(4): 180-183

Key words: Pharyngeal trauma, cervical spondylodiscitis, cellulitis

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