Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management of Deep-Neck Abscesses in Infants

Abstract

Deep-neck-space abscesses in infants are rapidly progressive, often cause airway compromise, and usually present with fever and neck mass. The most common pathogen is S aureus. Patients are effectively treated with incision and drainage coupled with intravenous followed by oral antibiotics.

The increased risk of community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus neck abscesses in young children

“…The present study supports the findings of significant differences in age and location of neck space infections 10, 14, 15. Pediatric patients with MRSA and MSSA were found to be younger than patients with N‐SA patients.…”

Paediatric neck abscesses: microbiology and management

“…In this study, the mean age of children with neck abscesses was 44.2 months, which was consistent with other studies 2 – 4 . Children younger than four years old accounted for 72 per cent of the patients; this may be related to an immature immune system in this group of patients 3 , 7 …”

“…The submandibular region was the most common site of neck abscesses (37.5 per cent), followed by the posterior triangle (25 per cent); this is consistent with other studies 2 , 7 , 12 , 13 . However, other authors found a predominance of retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses 9 , 14 …”

“…Similar results were found by Cmejrek et al , 7 who studied 25 infants (younger than nine months) and suggested that poor oral intake along with neck mass in infants is an indicator of odynophagia or dysphagia.…”

“…The period of hospitalisation (mean 3.7 days) was an important prognostic factor and affected the overall outcome of the treatment; this is consistent with other studies 1 , 3 , 7 . All patients with retro- and parapharyngeal abscesses stayed in hospital five days or more, which implies the importance of early recognition, using imaging modalities (CT or US scanning), and prompt treatment of these deep neck abscesses.…”