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.