Retropharyngeal abscess

Deep neck infections include peritonsillar abscess, retropharyngeal abscess, and lateral pharyngeal space infection (also known as pharyngomaxillary or parapharyngeal space infection). Suppurative infections of the neck are uncommon in children. However, suppurative cervical lymphadenitis is the most common superficial neck infection. Retropharyngeal abscess is almost exclusively a pediatric diagnosis. In children is usually caused by an infection that spreads to the retropharygeal lymph, with subsequent cellulitis and abscess formation, as is the case presented.