DEEP-NECK SPACE ABSCESSES

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.