Deep neck space infections

- Includes:

  • parapharyngeal (lateral pharyngeal) infections - complications include Lemierre’s syndrome, and carotid involvement

  • retropharyngeal (including prevertebral and pretracheal) infections – complications include acute necrotizing mediastinitis, aspiration pneumonia

- These infections may result from:

  • pharyngitis
  • tonsillitis
  • parotitis
  • sinusitis
  • mastoiditis, or
  • odontogenic infections

- Consult ENT.

- Surgical drainage essential.