Life-threatening deep infections of the neck

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Life-threatening upper airway infections, which were common in the preantibiotic era, are now rare. Previously thought of as predominantly diseases of childhood, they are now seen more often in the adult population. Among the most serious of these infections is Lemierre's syndrome, Ludwig's angina, and retropharyngeal abscess. Lemierre's syndrome, characterized by pharyngitis followed by septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, is usually caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum. Ludwig's angina is characterized by infection of the submandibular space with oral anaerobes, most often after an odontogenic infection. Retropharyngeal abscesses typically involve the space between the buccopharyngeal fascia and the prevertebral fascia. All of these infections may result in a compromise of the upper airway and require prompt recognition and treatment, with particular attention to airway management, surgical drainage, and aggressive antibiotic treatment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)316-323
Number of pages8
JournalClinical Pulmonary Medicine
Volume4
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1997
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Fusobacterium
  • Lemierre's syndrome
  • Ludwig's angina
  • Retropharyngeal abscess

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

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