Febrile torticollis in an infant: what is your diagnosis?

Authors

  • Ilham Rkain Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Abdelmalek Essaadi, Tangier, Morocco
  • Safaa Toutimi Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Abdelmalek Essaadi, Tangier, Morocco

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.IntJSciRep20211954

Keywords:

Retropharyngeal abscess surgery, Pediatrics

Abstract

Retropharyngeal abscess is a rare but serious infection, in children, it is often secondary to upper respiratory tract infections.We report the case of an 18-month-old infant admitted to the emergencies for acute febrile torticolis. A computed tomographic (CT) scan with contrast agent injection revealed a collection of the retropharyngeal space; management consisted of triple antibiotic therapy and transoral drainage. The evolution was made towards a clinical and biological improvement. Retropharyngeal abscess should be suspected in front of dysphagia, cervical stiffness associated with a febrile syndrome, CT scan confirms the diagnosis and early management by intravenous antibiotic therapy whether or not combining surgical drainage, which remains a subject of discussion. Early diagnosis and management help to avoid life-threatening complications.

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References

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Published

2021-05-24

Issue

Section

Case Reports