A study on presentation, etiology, complications and management of deep neck space infections: our experience

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> To analyze our experience in presentation, etiology, complications and difficulties encountered in diagnosis and management of deep neck space infections.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 52 cases of deep neck space infections were analyzed within the period of November 2013 to November 2015 in ENT OPD at GMC Latur. Patients with airway compromise or in failures were managed with intubation or tracheostomy. All patients were investigated with detail history, hematological and radiological investigations like X- Ray, USG or CT scan. Although all patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics, surgical drainage was the definitive management. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Study includes 29 males and 23 females. Neck pain was most common presentation in 90.38% with airway compromise being most common complication. Submandibular (34.61%) and peritonsillar (21%) space were commonly involved with odontogenic and upper airway infections being leading causes. Diabetes was common comorbidity found among patients. <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> being common isolate (<em>Klebsiella</em> in diabetics). Surgical drainage with antibiotics as per culture sensitivity was treatment modality of choice.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Early diagnosis and appropriate management is key for better outcome. Odontogenic etiology being most common correlates well with poor oral hygiene and tobacco chewing. Surgical drainage and antibiotics are the treatment modalities. Complications and associated comorbidities affect the course of DNSI and hence require appropriate management. </p>

Deep Neck Space Infections a Retrospective Study

“…[4] The classification of deep neck spaces is as under: Gaps localized over hyoid level: submandibular, peritonsillar, parotid, buccal, parapharyngeal, temporal/masticatory; Gaps involving complete border of the neck: prevertebral, carotid and retropharyngeal; and pretracheal or anterior visceral gap below the hyoid. [5] During life, DNSI can appear at any stage and is believed a significant disorder which mostly spreads to several other body organs and has fatal consequences. [6] Deep neck space infections are recognized to have considerable mortality and morbidity.…”