O G B Nwaorgu1, P A Onakoya, J A Fasunla, T S Ibekwe. 1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, College of Medicine University of Ibadan and University College Hospital Ibadan, Nigeria.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Infection within the retropharyngeal space could progress on to an abscess formation resulting into retropharyngeal abscess (RPA), which can either be acute or chronic. RPA can be a life-threatening emergency, with potential for airway compromise and other catastrophic complications. This review is aimed at highlighting our experience with patients with a diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess. METHODS: Retrospective review of thirty patients with a confirmed diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess, who were admitted and managed within an eleven-year period (1993 to 2003) in the Otolaryngology department of the University College Hospital Ibadan. RESULTS: There were fifteen males and females each with M:F ratio of 1:1, consisting of twenty-five children and five adults and their median age was 21 months and twenty three (77%) were younger than 5 years. It was observed that while the adult patients presented early for specialist treatment, the paediatric patients presented late. The major complaints were fever (87%), respiratory distress or stridor (57%), cough (53%), neck pain/swelling (43%), and refusal of feeds (30%). Other minor complaints were throat pain, difficulty in swallowing, anorexia, and weight loss. The commonest associated symptoms seen especially among the younger age group were nasal discharge, nasal blockage, tooth-ache, snoring and limitation of neck movement. CONCLUSION: The treatment of retropharyngeal space infections in children and adults should include accurate clinical diagnosis, empirical usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and timely surgical drainage.
BACKGROUND: Infection within the retropharyngeal space could progress on to an abscess formation resulting into retropharyngeal abscess (RPA), which can either be acute or chronic. RPA can be a life-threatening emergency, with potential for airway compromise and other catastrophic complications. This review is aimed at highlighting our experience with patients with a diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess. METHODS: Retrospective review of thirty patients with a confirmed diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess, who were admitted and managed within an eleven-year period (1993 to 2003) in the Otolaryngology department of the University College Hospital Ibadan. RESULTS: There were fifteen males and females each with M:F ratio of 1:1, consisting of twenty-five children and five adults and their median age was 21 months and twenty three (77%) were younger than 5 years. It was observed that while the adult patients presented early for specialist treatment, the paediatric patients presented late. The major complaints were fever (87%), respiratory distress or stridor (57%), cough (53%), neck pain/swelling (43%), and refusal of feeds (30%). Other minor complaints were throat pain, difficulty in swallowing, anorexia, and weight loss. The commonest associated symptoms seen especially among the younger age group were nasal discharge, nasal blockage, tooth-ache, snoring and limitation of neck movement. CONCLUSION: The treatment of retropharyngeal space infections in children and adults should include accurate clinical diagnosis, empirical usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and timely surgical drainage.