Deep neck space infections

From IDWiki

Background

  • The deep spaces of the neck include
    • Lateral pharyngeal space, which connects to carotid sheath
    • Pretracheal space, which connects to mediastinum and carotid sheath
    • Retropharyngeal space, which connects to mediastinum
    • Danger space, between alar fascia and prevertebral fascia, which communicates with posterior mediastinum

Microbiology

Clinical Manifestations

Diagnosis

  • CT scan

Management

  • Surgical debridement
  • Broad-spectrum antibiotics to cover oral flora