Main Article Content

Wee Chert Wang Kok Foong Soo Mohd Hashairi Fauzi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6691-1702

Abstract

Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) is a deep neck tissue infection. It is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening diagnosis due to its anatomical location. RPA occurs more commonly in children due to the abundance of retropharyngeal lymph nodes. In adults, RPAs are rare and can occur as a result of local trauma, such as foreign body ingestion (fishbone) or instrumental procedures (laryngoscopy, nasogastric tube placement, and endotracheal intubation). We described a case of an unusual presentation of RPA in a morbidly obese adult without a history of local trauma. This report highlights the importance of considering RPA for atypical presentations and the value of lateral neck radiographs in primary settings and emergency departments.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Article Details

Section
Case Reports