Parapharyngeal space melioidosis in a diabetic

Pseudomonas pseudomallei, a gram negative organism causing melioidosis, is found in tropical and subtropical regions. It may manifest as a pulmonary lesion, osteomyelitis, soft tissue abscesses, abscesses in various organs or in septicaemic form. Melioidosis of the parapharyngeal space has not been reported so far. A case of melioidosis of the parapharyngeal space which was successfully treated by drainage and prolonged antibiotic therapy is reported here. Melioidosis should be suspected in severe forms of deep neck space infection, especially if the patient comes from an endemic area.     

Peritonsillar abscess: a life threatening disease--diagnostic and therapeutic aspects

BACKGROUND: Acute tonsillitis is an extremely common infection seen in children and adults. In most cases, the family doctor is initially consulted. Intratonsillar, peritonsillar and retrotonsillar abscesses are frequent complications in the course of tonsillitis. In those cases, oropharyngeal infection may lead to a descending process with consecutive mediastinitis as a life-threatening condition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report the case of a 67-year old man who died of a mediastinitis resulting from a peritonsillar abscess. Clinical findings, radiological diagnostics and antibiotic as well as surgical therapy are illustrated. RESULTS: The patient died due to a septic multi-organic failure despite aggressive antibiotic and surgical therapy by a combined enoral and cervical approach with thoracic drainage. DISCUSSION: Peritonsillar abscess is a potentially life-threatening complication of acute tonsillitis. This must be kept in mind and should therefore lead to an adequate and directed management of this pathology. We discuss the stepwise diagnosis and therapy within the framework of scientific literature.     

Intravenous antibiotic therapy for deep neck abscesses defined by computed tomography

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of using intravenous antibiotics alone to treat clinically stable children with clearly defined deep neck abscesses diagnosed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). DESIGN: Retrospective chart and CT scan review. SETTING: Tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: The study comprised clinically stable pediatric patients who presented with signs and symptoms of a deep neck infection and who had CT scans demonstrating an abscess in the parapharyngeal space, retropharyngeal space, or both that included (1) a well-formed ring enhancement around a nonenhancing density consistent with fluid and (2) a size greater than 1 cm in every dimension. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical resolution of the signs and symptoms of the deep neck abscess after treatment with intravenous antibiotics. RESULTS: Over a 22-month period (May 1999 to March 2001), 11 children ranging in age from 4 months to 16(1/2) years who had contrast-enhanced CT evidence of deep neck abscess and no clinical evidence of severe symptoms or significant airway compromise were initially treated with intravenous antibiotics. Ten (91%) of the 11 children responded to intravenous antibiotic therapy as their only treatment. All 10 responders began to improve clinically by 48 hours. The symptoms resolved in 5 children by treatment day 3. Five to 8 days of treatment were required to completely resolve the symptoms in the other 5 patients. The 1 child who did not respond to intravenous antibiotic therapy underwent surgical drainage of her deep neck abscess within 12 hours of admission, with purulence discovered at the time of surgery. CONCLUSION: In a select number of clinically stable children, deep neck abscesses diagnosed on contrast-enhanced CT scans using strict radiographic criteria can be effectively treated with intravenous antibiotics alone.     

Infections of the deep neck spaces with accompanying mediastinitis

BACKGROUND: Infections of the deep neck spaces with accompanying mediastinitis are still a therapeutic problem with a high mortality. PATIENTS: We report on three patients with deep neck space infections and accompanying mediastinitis who have been treated in the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology at the Universities of Bochum and Essen in the past 2 years. In two patients the infection originated from a peritonsillar abscess and in one patient from an odontogenic infection. THERAPY: One patient was successfully treated by a tonsillectomy and drainage of the parapharyngeal abscess in conjunction with a thoracotomy because of a mediastinal abscess and bilateral pneumothorax. The second patient was cured by a tonsillectomy, wide cervical drainage und cervical mediastinotomy. The third patient with pre-existent alcohol abuse died because of multiorgan failure despite wide cervical und mediastinal drainage. CONCLUSION: In every deep neck infection a mediastinal involvement has to be taken into account. Fast diagnosis and treatment are essential for the prognosis of this life-threatening disease.     

Internal jugular vein thrombosis and deep neck infection from intravenous drug use: management strategy

OBJECTIVE: Internal jugular vein thrombosis (IJVT) manifests in multiple clinical scenarios including traumatic, neoplastic, and infectious processes. No clear management algorithm exists for IJVT in the setting of deep neck infections. This study examines the cause, diagnosis, and treatment strategy for IJVT in the setting of deep neck infections caused by intravenous drug use (IVDU). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: The clinical, radiographic, and laboratory data of 11 IVDU patients with deep neck infections and IJVT are reviewed in a retrospective fashion. The patients were seen in a university tertiary care facility. RESULTS: Eleven patients with deep neck infections, recent history of IVDU, and concurrent IJVT were identified. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scanning. Antibiotic therapy was instituted in all cases, abscesses were treated invasively with aspiration or incision and drainage, and no veins were ligated or resected. Three patients received anticoagulation. One patient had bilateral IJVT with thrombus extension through the sigmoid sinus to the lateral sinus. This patient received anticoagulation and developed bacteremia. No further IJVT complications have been diagnosed at an average of 14 months postintervention. CONCLUSION: IJVT and deep neck infection caused by IVDU constitute a clinical entity present even in the modern day era of antibiotic therapy. Aggressive antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention for the deep neck infection is recommended. The indications for anticoagulation remain variable. Although anticoagulation is often recommended in the presence of thrombus progression or septic emboli, the very presence of IJVT does not mandate the need for anticoagulation. Ligation or resection of the thrombosed vein may be reserved for selected cases, but was not necessary in our series.     

Complications of space infections of the head and neck.

Life threatening infections of odontogenic or upper airway origin may extend to potential spaces formed by fascial planes of the lower head and upper cervical area. The incidence of these “space infections” has been greatly reduced by modern antibiotic therapy. However, serious morbidity and even fatalities continue to occur. Two cases of deep neck infection, (one of odontogenic and one tonsillar in origin) with subsequent mediastinitis, empyema, pericarditis and ultimate survival are reported. One case of deep neck infection, (of odontogenic etiology) and suppurative thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein with ultimate fatal outcome is also reviewed. Review of the literature reveals only one previous case report of a survivor of an odontogenic deep neck infection complicated by mediastinitis, empyema and pericarditis. The anatomy, etiology and treatment of complications of these “space infections” of the head and neck are briefly reviewed.     

严重和复杂颈深部间隙感染治疗的思考

目的 近年来颈深部间隙感染的发生率有增加的趋势,有时治疗十分棘手,本文通过复杂病例的分析以提高临床医生对本病的再认识和治疗选择。方法 回顾分析2018年1月—2022年6月收治的7例严重和复杂颈深部间隙感染患者的临床资料。结果 7例患者中男5例,女2例;年龄40~72岁,平均年龄56.86岁,其中大于50岁5例,小于50岁2例。4例患者合并糖尿病,感染部位以咽旁隙（6例）多见,其次是下颌下间隙（5例）和气管前间隙（5例）。所有患者均接受手术和抗生素治疗,其中5例颈侧切开包括2例颈胸联合切开引流,1例口内切开引流,1例经皮纵隔穿刺引流,1例气管切开。所有患者均治愈。最常见并发症是低蛋白血症（4例）,其次是下行坏死性纵隔炎（3例）。结论 复杂颈深部间隙感染多见于老年男性和糖尿病患者,早期诊断和及时治疗是减少严重并发症的关键,针对不同部位的感染,采用个体化治疗有助于缩短病程。     

Deep neck infection with dental origin: analysis of 85 consecutive cases (2000-2006)

CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic work-up should include contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and mandible orthopantogram. When a dental origin of deep neck infection is suspected, the intravenous antibiotic regimen has to be active against gram-positive bacteria, both aerobes and anaerobes. Surgical exploration and drainage may be mandatory at presentation, or in cases not responding to medical therapy within the first 24 h. OBJECTIVES: Deep neck infections are still associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates when complications occur. Despite worldwide improvement in dental care and oral hygiene, a significant prevalence of deep neck infections caused by dental infections has been described recently (> 40%). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analysed retrospectively 85 cases of deep neck infection with dental origin out of 206 consecutive cases of deep neck infection diagnosed in our institution between 2000 and 2006. RESULTS: The most frequent dental source was a periapical infection of the first mandibular molar, followed by second and third molar, respectively. Submandibular space infection involvement was diagnosed in 73 of 85 patients (85.9%), masticatory space infection in 28 (32.9%); in 56 patients (65.9%) the infection involved more than one space. Twenty-four patients (28.2%) were treated only with intravenous antibiotic therapy; 61 patients (71.8%) required both medical and surgical procedures.     

Deep neck abscesses: the Singapore experience

This study aims to review our experience with deep neck abscesses, identify key trends, and improve the management of this condition. This is a retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with deep neck abscesses in the Department of ENT (Otorhinolaryngology) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore between 2004 and 2009. Patient demographics, etiology, bacteriology, systemic disease, radiology, treatment, complications, duration of hospitalization, and outcomes were reviewed. 131 patients were included (64.9% male, 35.1% female) with a median age of 51.0 years. 54 (41.2%) patients had diabetes mellitus. The parapharyngeal space (23.7%) was the most commonly involved space. Odontogenic and upper airway infections were the leading causes of deep neck abscesses (28.0% each). Klebsiella pneumoniae (27.1%) was the most commonly cultured organism in this study and among the diabetic patients (50.0%). 108 (82.4%) patients underwent surgical drainage. 42 patients suffered complications. All 19 patients, who had upper airway obstruction, had either a tracheostomy or intubation. Patients with multi-space abscesses, diabetes mellitus, and complications had prolonged hospitalizations. Old age and diabetes are risk factors for developing deep neck abscesses and their sequelae. The empiric choice of antibiotics should recognize that a dental source is likely, and that Klebsiella is most common in diabetics. Surgical drainage and adequate antibiotic coverage remains the cornerstone of treatment of deep neck abscesses. Therapeutic needle aspiration may successfully replace surgical drainage, if the abscesses are small and no complications are imminent. Airway obstruction should be anticipated in multi-space and floor of mouth abscesses.     

„Descending necrotizing mediastinitis“ infolge tiefer Halsinfektionen

BACKGROUND: "Descending necrotizing mediastinitis" (DNM) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of deep neck infections caused by the rapid downward spread of a oropharyngeal infection along the facial planes into the mediastinum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between June 1997 and December 2004, 6 patients with DNM were treated in our department. The primary etiology was a peritonsillar abscess in 2 cases, a parapharyngeal abscess in 3 cases and in 1 case an odontogenic abscess. Most patients presented with risk factors such as diabetes mellitus or alcoholism, the mean age was 44.3 years and the mean duration of signs before diagnosis was 6.3 days. Thoracotomy was associated with the cervical approach in 4 cases and tracheostomy was also performed in 4 cases. RESULTS: Four patients were successfully treated, the mean duration of hospitalisation was 48.2 days and 2 patients died from sepsis and multiorgan failure despite intensive treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis must be detected as soon as possible. The mean symptoms are persistent complaints after treatment of oropharyngeal infections, which may be masked by analgetic treatment. Only an immediate computer tomographic scanning, aggressive surgical drainage and debridement of the neck and the mediastinum can reduce the high mortality rate.     

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis: report of a case following steroid neck injection

Cervical necrotizing fasciitis is a rare, rapidly progressive, severe bacterial infection of the soft tissues of the neck. Uncommonly, it may descend into the mediastinum. We describe a case of descending necrotizing mediastinitis in a young man, where there was diagnostic confusion and delay, with an eventual fatal outcome. A steroid injection for neck pain is thought to be the source of infection. In this case, the signs of mediastinitis were initially masked, and the diagnosis delayed until cardiopulmonary arrest occurred. Early recognition with a low threshold for computed tomography (CT) scanning is essential. Aggressive multidisciplinary therapy with mediastinal drainage is mandatory.     

Deep neck space infections: a retrospective review of 173 cases

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review our recent experience with deep neck infections and emphasize the importance of radiologic evaluation and appropriate treatment selection in those patients.

Materials and Methods

The records of 173 patients treated for deep neck infection at the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of Dicle University Hospital during the period from 2003 to 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Their demography, symptoms, etiology, seasonal distribution, bacteriology, radiology, site of deep neck infection, durations of the hospital admission and hospital stay, treatment, complications, and outcomes were evaluated. The findings were compared to those in the available literature.

Results

Dental infection was the most common cause of deep neck infection (48.6%). Peritonsillar infections (19.7%) and tuberculosis (6.9%) were the other most common cause. Pain, odynophagia, dysphagia, and fever were the most common presenting symptoms. Radiologic evaluation was performed on almost all of the patients (98.3%) to identify the location, extent, and character (cellulitis or abscesses) of the infections. Computed tomography was performed in 85.3% of patients. The most common involved site was the submandibular space (26.1%). In 29.5% of cases, the infection involved more than one space. All the patients were taken to intravenous antibiotic therapy. Surgical intervention was required in 95 patients (59.5%), whereas 78 patients (40.5%) were treated with intravenous antibiotic therapy alone. Life-threatening complications were developed in 13.8% of cases; 170 patients (98.3%) were discharged in stable condition.

Conclusion

Despite the wide use of antibiotics, deep neck space infections are commonly seen. Today, complications of deep neck infections are often life threatening. Although surgical drainage remains the main method of treating deep neck abscesses, conservative medical treatment are effective in selective cases.     

Clinical features of 5 patients with descending necrotizing mediastinitis originating from deep neck infection

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis originating from deep neck infection is one of the most serious diseases in the head and neck region. Delayed diagnosis leads to death. We examined 5 cases of descending necrotizing mediastinitis, successfully treated with antibiotics and surgical drainage. Abscess was found in the lower part of the anterior mediastinum in 3 cases and the posterior mediastinum in 2 cases. We first conducted transcervical mediastinal drainage for 3 cases, however, thoracotomy was eventually required in all cases. For cases of abscess in the lower part of the anterior mediastinum, early and aggressive surgical drainage in collaboration with thoracic surgeons is very important and can improve survival.     

Increased isolation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pediatric head and neck abscesses

OBJECTIVE: To compare the proportion of community-associated, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in pediatric head and neck abscesses between 2 study periods. DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Tertiary care pediatric otolaryngology practice. Patients Pediatric patients with head and neck abscesses presenting over 2 separate 2.5-year intervals: July 1999 through December 2001 and January 2002 through June 2004. INTERVENTIONS: Incision and drainage of abscess. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Type and antimicrobial susceptibility of cultured organisms. RESULTS: We identified 21 abscesses in 19 patients from July 1999 through December 2001 and 32 abscesses in 32 patients from January 2002 through June 2004. Of the 21 abscesses in the first study period, 15 demonstrated pathogen growth compared with 29 of 32 abscesses in the second study period. In the first period, 6 (40%) of 15 abscesses yielded S aureus compared with 17 (58.6%) of 29 abscesses in the second period. The proportion of abscesses yielding MRSA increased from 0% (0/6) in the first study period to 64.7% (11/17) in the second study period (P<.01). All MRSA infections were considered to be community acquired. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates a statistically significant rise in the proportion of community-associated MRSA infections of the head and neck in the pediatric population at our institution. For communities where similar microbial recovery patterns exist, we suggest that a culture be obtained as soon as possible in a child presenting with a head and neck abscess to identify the organism. Until that time, the best empirical treatment is clindamycin, with other agents available if warranted by culture and sensitivity results. A treatment algorithm is presented.     

Pediatric neck abscesses: changing organisms and empiric therapies

Objective: To examine the causative organisms in pediatric neck infections, delineate risk factors in methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pediatric neck infections, and define patient populations that should be empirically treated with MRSA sensitive antibiotics. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: Two hundred twenty‐eight consecutive patients were reviewed, ages 0 to 17, presenting at a tertiary care center between 1999 and 2007 with computed tomography proven neck abscesses. Characteristics of patients with differing causative organisms were compared. Results: Forty‐eight percent of all pediatric patients' with head and neck abscesses had S. aureus as the causative organism, 29% of which were community‐acquired MRSA—recent years showed that up to 66% of pediatric neck abscesses were MRSA culture positive. When comparing MRSA infections vs. other causative organisms multiple clinical characteristics were found which did not help to differentiate those patients at a higher risk for MRSA. Characteristics which did trend to predict an MRSA infection were few. For example, the average age of patients with MRSA was 32.5 months compared with only 16 months for the methicillin‐sensitive S. aureus patients. MRSA sensitivities and resistances were also examined. Conclusions: This study presents a large cohort of pediatric neck abscess patients, in which the emergence and characteristics of MRSA are shown. As community‐acquired MRSA infections become more prevalent, empiric antibiotic therapy must be considered. The results of this study show that the incidence of MRSA has greatly increased and clinical risk factors are not helpful in choosing those patients which may be at higher risk for an MRSA infection.     

Abscess of the parapharyngeal space

The abscess of parapharyngeal space is very dangerous health condition graving numerous complications such as: jugular vein thrombosis, mediastinitis, arterial bleeding. This state originates most frequent during the acute pharyngitis, and especially acute tonsillitis. The aim of our study was to review the clinical sings, computed tomography scans and outcome of parapharyngeal space infection. 3 patients treatment in our Department were underwent surgical drainage and aggressive antibiotic therapy. One patient was treated solely with intravenous antibiotic therapy. The average time of hospitalization was 16 days. No one complication was observed.     

Idiopathic supraclavicle abscess with extension to the cervico-thoracic intersection

The incidence of deep neck abscesses has clearly decreased thanks to antibiotic therapy. In most of the cases we can find an odontogenic or pharyngotonsillar cause and the infection can extend from its origin to deep cervical spaces or mediastinum. We are reporting the clinical case of a 71 year-male diagnosed as right supraclavicle and idiopatic abscess that reaches the cervico-thoracic intersection. The patient was urgently operated by drainage of the purulent collection being carried later to ICU where he suffered an adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) which required a change on the treatment up to the resolution.     

Carotid artery occlusion in association with a retropharyngeal abscess

Deep neck space infections in children are not an uncommon presentation to an otolaryngologist and with appropriate antibiotic therapy, often in conjunction with surgical drainage, complications are rare. We report on a case of a 4-year boy who presented with a retropharyngeal abscess that was complicated by ipsilateral carotid artery and internal jugular vein compression. The patient was treated with intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics and heparin. There were no subsequent neurological or vascular complications. An overview of the management of deep neck infections and their complications are discussed.     

Descending cervical mediastinitis: report of 15 cases]

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the cause, diagnosis and treatment of descending cervical mediastinitis. METHODS: Fifteen cases of descending cervical mediastinitis, which were treated from January 1985 to December 1997, were retrospectively reviewed. There were 10 males and 5 females, ranging in age from 2.5 to 82 years. RESULTS: The cause of descending cervical mediastinitis included odontogenic infection, suppurative tonsillitis, suppurative otitis media (cholesteatoma) complicating Mouret abscess, pharyngeal injury by foreign body and esophageal perforation. Different ways of drainage were adopted. Twelve cases were cured and three died. CONCLUSION: The key to successful management of descending cervical mediastinitis is early recognition, prompt and effective surgical drainage and appropriate antibiotics.     

Deep neck infections: a study of 365 cases highlighting recommendations for management and treatment

The aims of this investigation were to review the clinical behavior of deep neck infections (DNIs) treated in our institution in order to identify the predisposing factors of life-threatening complications and propose valuable recommendations for management and treatment. A total of 365 adult patients with DNIs were retrospectively identified. One-hundred and thirty-nine patients (38.1%) underwent surgical drainage. Overall, 226 patients (61.9%) responded effectively to intravenous antimicrobial therapy only. There were 67 patients (18.4%) developing life-threatening complications. Diabetes mellitus (odd ratio 5.43; P < 0.001) and multiple deep neck spaces involvement (odd ratio 4.92; P < 0.001) were the strongest independent predictors of complications. The mortality rate was 0.3%. Airway obstruction and descending mediastinitis are the most troublesome complications of DNIs. In selected patients, a trial of intravenous antibiotic therapy associated with an intensive computed tomography-based wait-and-watch policy may avoid an unnecessary surgical procedure. However, about one-fourth of patients present significant comorbidities, which may negatively affect the course of the infection. In these cases and in patients with large or multiple spaces infections, a more aggressive surgical strategy is mandatory.