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Supraglottitis and abscess formation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 September 2010

D Gillett  and
N J Eynon-Lewis
D Gillett*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Homerton University Hospital, London, UK
N J Eynon-Lewis
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Darren Gillett, Drake Cottage, 1 George Walk, Ware SG12 9AR, UK E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objective:

This case series report aims to raise awareness of the association between supraglottic infection and abscess formation, which has been rarely documented.

Method:

We report a series of four patients who developed cervical abscesses following supraglottic infection. The diagnosis was confirmed by imaging in three patients, and by incision and drainage of pus at direct laryngoscopy in one.

Results:

All four patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics, steroids and humidification; two also underwent surgical drainage of pus. All made an uneventful recovery.

Conclusion:

The factors that lead to neck abscess formation are poorly understood. Physicians should always be aware of this potential complication. If it is suspected, appropriate neck imaging should be undertaken, after excluding airway copromise; this will aid early diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords

PharynxNeckPharyngitisAbscessEpiglottis
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 125 , Issue 1 , January 2011 , pp. 99 - 102
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2010

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