Tuberculous Retropharyngeal Abscess Associated with Spinal Tuberculosis Well Controlled by Fine-needle Aspiration and Anti-tuberculous Chemotherapy

Abstract

We present a rare case of a tuberculous retropharyngeal abscess (RPA)

Multifocal Extensive Spinal Tuberculosis with Retropharyngeal Abscess

“…2 Tuberculous retropharyngeal abscess is usually a consequence of chronic TB of the cervical spine, because pus spreads directly through the anterior longitudinal ligament. 4 Our patient's presenting features, like neck pain and retropharyngeal abscess and collapse of cervical vertebrae, as demonstrated in CT scan, can be explained in this manner.…”

Retropharyngeal abscess coinfected withStaphylococcus aureusandMycobacterium tuberculosisafter rhinoviral infection in a 1-month-old infant

“…Tuberculous retropharyngeal abscess formation is a very rare presentation of infection with M. tuberculosis 6,13). Most reported cases are associated with spinal tuberculosis, also known as Pott's disease6,14); however, this was not the case in this infant. In those cases, abscesses are the result of direct invasion through the anterior longitudinal ligament of the spine6).…”

Tuberculous retropharyngeal abscess revisited

“…Fever, neck pain and dysphagia should elicit the clinical suspicion of an abscess in the retropharyngeal space which has important anatomic connotations as the retropharyngeal space continues inferiorly into the mediastinum. Thus, early recognition of the condition is essential to prevent serious complications such as mediastinitis and airway obstruction 5. The diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess is further supported by radiological imaging which plays an important role in assessing the extent of the disease and possible damage to important structures such as the cervical spine.…”

“…However, external drainage of tubercular abscess may not always be required. Therapeutic aspiration only with or without ultrasound guidance has been used successfully and can be repeated if necessary 5 11. Our patient responded well to intraoral aspiration and anti-TB therapy.…”