CERVICAL INFECTION Flashcards
Once initiated, a deep neck infection can progress in two forms, which are they?
Once initiated, a deep neck infection can progress to neck cellulitis (phlegmon) or to neck
abscess with a purulent fluid collection.
Which is the most common source of infection in deep neck abscesses and phlegmonas?
.
Most commonly deep neck abscesses and phlegmonas are result of spreading of dental
infection, with the first involvement of the submandibular spaces.
DEEP NECK INFECTION DEFINITON
Deep neck infection is an infection that enters the fascial planes of the neck after originating
in the oral cavity, pharynx, or a regional lymph node. it may be life-threatening if the
infection enters the carotid sheath, the paravertebral spaces, or the mediastinum.
WHICH SPACE IS MOST INFECTED IN DEEP NECK INFECTION
Consequently, the parapharyngeal space is the most frequently involved space in deep neck
infections.
The three most common types of deep neck infections
The three most common types of deep neck infections are peritonsillar abscess,
parapharyngeal abscess, and retropharyngeal abscess.
Which is the most common type of deep neck infection in adolescents and young adults?
The most common type of deep neck infection in adolescents and young adults is
peritonsillar abscess- as a complication of acute bacterial tonsillitis
Which is the most dangerous localization of deep neck infection?
Retropharyngeal space. Generally, the most dangerous deep neck infection is
retropharyngeal abscess. Spread of infection to carotid sheath (internal) carotid artery
erosion, jugular vein thrombophlebitis and then mediastinum will result in acute necrotizing
mediastinitis with widened mediastinum on chest X-ray.
rf for deep neck infection
tonisilitis
recent dental work
bad oral hygeine
complaints
pain
neck swelling and pain, and severe general malaise
odonophyagia
trismus
What is the first step in management of deep neck infection?
The first step in caring for patients with deep neck infection is securing and maintaining an
adequate airway. If intubation is not possible due to airway edema or trismus, a
tracheotomy under local anaesthesia must be performed, remembering that the trachea
may be deviated due to the inflammation.
Ludwig’s angina
s a subtype of severe deep neck infection. It is a diffuse cellulitis, involving
the bilateral submental, submandibular, and sublingual spaces. IT does not have lymphatic involvement
Thyroglossal cyst
Thyroglossal cyst is a fluid-filled sac resulting from incomplete closure of the thyroglossal
duct
Thyroglossal sinu
Thyroglossal sinus results from persistence of the whole thyroglossal duct
Where do we search for a thyroglossal duct cyst?
midline of neck
In the embryonic stage of development, the thyroid gland descends to its normal
pretracheal position. Failure of normal caudal migration of the thyroid gland results in
a lingual thyroid
