Citation

Lin CH, Chu YS, Liao CF, Chen YL, Hsu KC. J. Med. Sci. (Taipei Taiwan) 2010; 30(2): 071-073.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Wolters Kluwer MedKnow)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Retropharyngeal abscess caused by pharyngeal penetrating injury is a rare but life threatening condition with extensive fasciitis and possible gas accumulating in the prevertebral fascia. Pharyngeal penetrating injuries are uncommon, except for those with a definite history of foreign body swallowing or external traumatic injury. We described a 24-year-old man, who sustained retropharyngeal abscess with gas formation in the retropharyngeal soft tissue after swallowing and vomiting a pair of scissors. In the emergency department (ED), an early computed tomography scan helped with the diagnosis and showed the extent of the ailment, which was promptly treated with surgical debridement and drainage. Broad-spec-trum antibiotics were started as soon as possible, while the clinical suspicion was initially made. The patient was treated promptly and discharged without serious complications. © 2010 JMS.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; Depression; male; case report; suicide attempt; major depression; emergency care; C reactive protein; article; clinical feature; physical examination; alpha hemolytic Streptococcus; penetrating trauma; surgical approach; antibiotic agent; leukocyte count; ampicillin; debridement; Penetrating injury; nose feeding; bacterium detection; laboratory test; Klebsiella pneumoniae; cervical spine radiography; surgical drainage; medical history; retropharyngeal abscess; neutrophil count; multidetector computed tomography; laryngoscopy; Fusobacterium; Prevertebral soft tissue; Retropharyngeal abscess; sulbactam