Recognition of retropharyngeal abscess in children.

Retropharyngeal abscess is a rare deep-neck infection that usually affects young children. Swelling in the neck can lead to sudden and fatal airway obstruction. Enlargement of lymph nodes located between the posterior pharyngeal wall and the prevertebral fascia occurs secondary to infection of the nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses or middle ear. Penetrating trauma or foreign-body penetration may also lead to abscess formation. Common symptoms include fever, swollen neck, difficult swallowing, muffled voice and hyperextension of the head and neck. Lateral neck radiographs confirm the diagnosis. Early surgical treatment prevents serious complications, such as mediastinal spread, aspiration of pus, airway obstruction or erosion into a major vessel.