An unusual infection of visceral compartment of the neck following retropharyngeal space infection

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