[Inspiratory stridor in a child with a retropharyngeal abscess instead of the normally expected subglottic laryngitis].

A 6-month-old girl presented with fever, coughing, inspiratory stridor and neck swelling. She was admitted for observation under the suspicion of spasmodic croup combined with a lymphadenitis colli. However, a rapidly progressive respiratory insufficiency developed which was found to be due to a retropharyngeal abscess. The patient was intubated and surgical drainage of the abscess followed. The postoperative clinical progress was uncomplicated. Common presenting signs of a retropharyngeal abscess include: inspiratory stridor, bulging of the pharyngeal wall, limited movement of the neck and palpable swelling of the neck. Current treatment consists of oral incision and drainage of the abscess followed by the administration of antibiotics.