Objective: Despite a reduction in the incidence, deep-neck space infec
tions are still seen today with definite potential for significant mor
bidity and even mortality. Design: The authors present their experienc
e in the management of 16 patients with 19 deep-neck space abscesses.
The distribution of the abscesses were: 5 Ludwig's angina, 4 paraphary
ngeal abscesses, 3 retropharyngeal abscesses, 3 in the submandibular t
riangle, 3 in the deep anterior triangle, and 1 in the deep posterior
triangle. Results: The source of infection was odontogenic in six pati
ents, pharyngeal in three, otogenic in one, and could not be identifie
d in the other six patients. Most cases presented with pain and neck s
welling. Plain x-ray films, computed tomography, ultrasonography, and
magnetic resonance imaging were the main diagnostic procedures. Positi
ve culture was obtained in only nine cases (56.2%). No predominant sin
gle organism was identified. Antimicrobial therapy and surgical draina
ge were the mainstay of treatment. Two cases were complicated by inter
nal jugular-vein thrombophlebitis. All the patients survived without m
ajor residual sequelae. Conclusions: The etiology, presentation, and m
anagement of deep-neck space infections are briefly reviewed.