What is the significance of the retropharyngeal space?
What is the significance of the retropharyngeal space?
The retropharyngeal space is a significant region to consider when evaluating a patient with neck pain as a multitude of pathologies can manifest and affect this area. The connection of the danger space to the mediastinum allows for the spread of infections from the oral cavity to the thoracic cavity.
What does the retropharyngeal space contain?
The retropharyngeal space (between the posterior pharyngeal wall and the prevertebral layer of deep cervical fascia) contains loose connective tissue and lymph nodes that drain the nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, middle ear, teeth, and adjacent bones.
When does retropharyngeal space close?
Retropharyngeal lymph nodes tend to regress by about age 5 years, making infection in this space much more common in children than adults.
What is the retropharyngeal space continuous with?
The retropharyngeal space It is continuous with the parapharyngeal space anteriorly and the sublingual space. The retropharyngeal space runs between the base of the skull to the level of the seconds thoracic vertebra where the fascial layers fuse.
Which is the most serious complication of acute retropharyngeal abscess?
Retropharyngeal abscesses are uncommon but potentially life-threatening diagnoses. They can occur at any age, although are most commonly found in children under the age of five. Without proper treatment, retropharyngeal abscesses can lead to upper airway obstruction and asphyxiation.
Where is the danger space located in the neck and why?
The danger space is immediately posterior to the retropharyngeal space and immediately anterior to the prevertebral space, between the alar and prevertebral divisions of the deep layer of the deep cervical fascia. It extends from the skull base to the posterior mediastinum and diaphragm.
How does infection get into retropharyngeal space?
Retropharyngeal space infections are relatively rare since the widespread use of modern antibiotics. In children, retropharyngeal space infections usually occur following an upper respiratory tract infection, while in adults they are usually caused by trauma, foreign bodies or extension from adjacent spaces.
Where is the parapharyngeal space?
The parapharyngeal space (PPS) is a potential space lateral to the upper pharynx. The PPS is shaped like an inverted pyramid, extending from the skull base superiorly to the greater cornu of the hyoid bone inferiorly.
Can adults get retropharyngeal abscess?
In adults, retropharyngeal abscesses are rare in adults and can occur as a result of local trauma, such as foreign body ingestion (fishbone), or instrumental procedures (laryngoscopy, endotracheal intubation, feeding tube placement, etc.), or in the particular context of an associated disease [1, 2].
What antibiotics treat retropharyngeal abscess?
Treatment of Retropharyngeal Abscess Antibiotics, such as a broad-spectrum cephalosporin (eg, ceftriaxone 50 to 75 mg/kg IV once/day) or clindamycin, may occasionally be sufficient for children with small abscesses. However, most patients also require drainage through an incision in the posterior pharyngeal wall.
Where is danger space in neck?
