Sequential parapharyngeal abscesses

Deep neck infections are not unusual in either the pediatric or adult popul ations. Multiple, and recurrent abscesses are found not infrequently, espec ially in immunocompromised and debilitated persons. It is very rare to find sequential parapharyngeal abscesses without identifiable etiology in an ot herwise healthy pediatric patient while receiving appropriate, culture-dire cted, intravenous antibiotics. This could be due to underestimation of the extent of the infection by CT scanning. The use of intravenous clindamycin as a first-line therapy may not be sufficient if a large phlegmon exists. W e describe a case of sequential, bilateral parapharyngeal abscesses in a 3- year-old patient. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserve d.