Abstract:
A fifty year old male, diagnosed to have an acute retropharyngeal space infection reported two days
after his discharge from the hospital with breathing difficulty and rapidly progressive diffuse swelling of the
neck. Immediate clinical evaluation failed to localize the exact cause but computed tomography revealed large
anterior visceral compartment abscess with recurring retropharyngeal space infection. In this case the
involvement of visceral compartment of the neck was a unique presentation.
Retropharyngeal space infections are known for their spread to other spaces. However, involvement of visceral
compartment is rare. Proximity to visceral vascular space and possibility of spread of infection to superior
mediastinum makes visceral space infections a life threatening condition.
Deep neck space infections should be observed for extensions beyond the primary site. The role of imaging is
indispensable while monitoring these infections. Prompt initiation of definitive treatment can prevent
catastrophic complications
