Deep Neck Space Infections a Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Deep neck space infections (DNSI) mostly present a true clinical challenge. Though the use of antibiotics has decrease the incidence but DNSI remain a leading public health problem. Objective: To evaluate deep neck space infections among patients.
 Method: It was retrospective study in which 50 patients with DNSI admitted in ENT Department of Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, from June 2016 to April 2019 were included. All the parameters such as gender, age, symptoms, etiological factors and location of abscess were studied.
 Results: Among 50 patients, 66.0% were males. 90.0% patients had neck pain, 86.0% neck swelling, 82.0% dysphagia and 76.0% fever. Among these patients, 36.0% had odontogenic infection and 50.0% had ludwig’s angina.
 Conclusion: Deep neck space infections were more prevalent among males and the most common symptoms were neck pain, neck swelling, dysphagia, fever and odynophagia. Odontogenic infections were most frequent etiological factor and Ludwig’s angina was very common presentation of DNSI.