Acute Retropharyngeal Abscess Masquerading as Meningitis

Abstract

Retropharyngeal abscess is a potentially serious deep neck space infection occurring more frequently in children than in adults. The clinical picture of RPA is highly variable with paucity of physical findings. Prompt diagnosis of RPA especially in infants is mandatory to prevent potential fatal complications including airway obstruction. The diagnosis of RPA should be based on high index of clinical suspicion with supportive imaging studies like lateral X-ray of neck and CT.
 We present a case of acute retropharyngeal abscess which was initially misdiagnosed as meningitis and led to airway obstruction. This case is reported to create awareness among emergency physicians, paediatricians and otolaryngologists to have high index of suspicion in diagnosing RPA especially in infants. Keywords: retropharyngeal abscess; meningitis; deep neck infection.

Association of the Moore sign with the presence of deep neck abscess of retropharyngeal space

“…56.3% were men, which is in line with the literature (55.63% of cases) 15 . The diagnosis of abscess in the RPS is accompanied by variable and non-specific symptoms 16 . The clinical presentation coincides with that reported in the literature 17 , which mentions that there are no specific symptoms.…”

Asociación del signo de Moore con la presencia de absceso profundo de cuello de espacio retrofaríngeo

“…El 56.3% eran hombres, lo cual es acorde con la literatura (55.63% de los casos) 15 . El diagnóstico de absceso en el ERF se acompaña de síntomas variables e inespecíficos 16 . La presentación clínica coincide con la reportada en la literatura 17 , que menciona que no hay sintomatología específica; se identificó disfagia en el 33.3% de los pacientes, de los cuales el 65.5% no presentaron el signo de Moore, evidenciando que la disfagia orienta a la presencia de absceso en el ERF.…”