Retropharyngeal, Lateral Pharyngeal, and Peritonsillar Cellulitis/Abscess

Question 1

Retropharyngeal abscess occurs most commonly in what age group

Answer 1

<3-4 y/o

Question 2

T/F Majority of children with retropharyngeal abscess have a history of recent ear, nose, or throat infection

Answer 2

T

Question 3

Retropharyngeal abscess is much less common in older children and adults because

Answer 3

Retropharyngeal nodes involute after 5 y/o

Question 4

Provides definitive diagnosis for retropharyngeal abscess

Answer 4

Incision and drainage of an abscessed node

Question 5

T/F Retropharyngeal and lateral/parapharyngeal infections are most often polymicrobial

Answer 5

T

Question 6

Usual pathogens of retropharyngeal and lateral/parapharyngeal abscesses

Answer 6

1) Group A strep 2) Oropharyngeal anaerobic bacteria 3) S. aureus

Question 7

Treatment of pharyngeal abscesses

Answer 7

IV antibiotics with or without surgical drainage

Question 8

Antibiotics that may be used for pharyngeal abscesses

Answer 8

3rd gen cephalosporin + ampi/sul or Clindamycin

Question 9

Uncommon but characteristic infection of the parapharyngeal space

Answer 9

Lemierre disease

Question 10

Asymmetric tonsillar bulge with displacement of the uvula

Answer 10

Peritonsillar cellulitis/abscess

Question 11

Peritonsillar cellulitis/abscess: MC pathogens of

Answer 11

1) Group A strep 2) Mixed oropharyngeal anaerobes

Question 12

Peritonsillar cellulitis/abscess: Treatment

Answer 12

Surgical drainage and antibiotic therapy

Question 13

Peritonsillar cellulitis/abscess: Tonsillectomy should be considered if

Answer 13

1) Failure to improve within 24 hours of antibiotic therapy and needle aspiration 2) History of recurrent peritonsillar abscess or recurrent tonsillitis or complications from peritonsillar abscess

Question 14

Feared complication of peritonsillar abscess

Answer 14

Rupture abscess with resultant aspiration pneumonitis