Parapharyngeal abscess in children - Five year retrospective study [Abcessos parafaríngeos na criança: Estudo retrospectivo de 5 anos]

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2009

Authors

Marques, PMDS (Author) Other; Jorge Spratley (Author) FMUP; Leal, LMM (Author) Other; Cardoso, E (Author) Other; Santos, M (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

Vol. 75

ISSN: 1808-8694

Indexing

Scopus - 22 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-007-SJ8

Abstract (EN): Lateropharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscesses are potentially life threatening infections in children Aim: To review the etiologic, clinical, and imaging signs of lateropharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscesses in children as well as treatment-outcomes and complications using a surgical trans-oral approach. Method: Retrospective analysis of 11 children, hospitalized in the last 5 years, with a diagnosis of lateropharyngeal (n = 8) and retropharyngeal (n = 3) abscesses, ages ranging from 0 to 12 years old. Charts and CT scans were reviewed. Result: The average age of presentation was 3.3 years. Neck stiffness (64%) and odynophagia (55%) were the most common symptoms. Fever (64%), stiff neck (64%), bulging of the oropharyngeal wall (55%), mass in the neck (55%) and lymphadenopathy (36%) were the most prevalent physical findings. All these patients were submitted to surgical drainage using a trans-oral approach in the first 48 hours after admission. About 82% of the patients showed improvement after 48 hours, and 100% after 72 hours, without any complications. Conclusion: Based on the good clinical outcomes and low incidence of complications, the present study suggests that antibiotic therapy complemented with a timely surgical treatment, is a valid treatment option in refractory parapharyngeal abscesses.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific