Retropharyngeal abscess associated with tuberculosis of the cervical spine.

A rare case of retropharyngeal abscess in association with tuberculosis of the upper cervical spine is presented. The disease was associated with tuberculosis of the sternum. The onset was insidious. Fever, neck pain, dysphagia and hoarseness of voice were the presenting features. Conservative treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs resulted in good outcome. The case is discussed and pertinent literature is reviewed.