Late evolution retropharyngeal abscess after ingestion of foreign body

Introduction: The complications relating to the ingestion of foreign bodies, such as retropharyngeal abscess, are of low prevalence, but potentially severe. Objective: To present one case of late evolution retropharyngeal abscess after ingestion of foreign body. Case Report: Female patient presentin...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Imamura, Rui, Koishi, Henry Ugadin, Monteiro, Tatiana Alves, Takahashi, Marystella Tomoe, Ramos, Henrique Faria
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda. 2009-09-01
Series:International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.arquivosdeorl.org.br/conteudo/acervo_eng.asp?Id=643
Description
Summary:Introduction: The complications relating to the ingestion of foreign bodies, such as retropharyngeal abscess, are of low prevalence, but potentially severe. Objective: To present one case of late evolution retropharyngeal abscess after ingestion of foreign body. Case Report: Female patient presenting with dysphagia, pain upon cervical motion and sensation of foreign body in the pharynx, about one month after removal of foreign body from the level of the cricopharyngeal muscle. In spite of not having fever or leukocytosis, due to the slight difficulty for cervical move and loss of the laryngeal crepitation, simple radiography and computed tomography were carried out in the neck, which showed signs of retropharyngeal abscess. Surgical draining of the abscess and antibiotic therapy led to good evolution of the case and symptoms reversion. Conclusion: The retropharyngeal abscess may occur during several weeks after ingestion of a foreign body. The absence of fever and leukocytosis does not exclude the diagnosis even in immunocompetent patients. A high degree of suspicion leads to the performance of diagnostic exams and suitable procedures.
ISSN:1809-9777
1809-4864