Parapharyngeal abscess with tuberculous spondylodiscitis

BACKGROUND: The principle danger of pharyngeal abscess is the risk of ruptu re overflow into the upper respiratory track. Pyogenic abscesses are the mo st frequent and tuberculosis is rare. We report two cases of retro and para pharyngeal abscesses with tuberculous spondylodiscitis. CASE REPORTS: The first case occurred in a 54-year-old woman, the second in a 19-year-old man. Both had a laterocervical swelling associated with an o ropharyneal bulge that progressed over several months. Computed tomography showed abscess formation and spinal disease in both cases. Drainage of the abscess led to the distological diagnosis of tuberculosis. Medical manageme nt was successful with resolution of the abscess and spinal lesions. DISCUSSION: Spinal tuberculosis should be suspected in patients with a para pharyngeal abscess without detectable portal that progresses slowly. A biop sy specimen is required for diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging can provi de early evidence of spondylodiscities. Medical treatment is indicated.