A challenging diagnosis in a patient with Odynophagia

Abstract

Tuberculous retropharyngeal abscesses are rare but potentially life-threatening manifestations of tuberculosis. We present herein a case of an 18-year-old male patient, a migrant from Somalia, accusing fever, odynophagia and neck pain. CT scan and MRI study of the neck showed a retropharyngeal and prevertebral abscess from C1 to D1 with the involvement of epidural space and spondylitis. Resolution of the abscess with few signs of residual spondylitis was achieved after surgical evacuation and antitubercular treatment.