Retropharyngeal Abscess

Retropharyngeal abscess results from infection with group B streptococcus or staphylococcus infections of the orophaynx. Clinical presentation is with fever, stiff neck, dysphagia and cervical adenopathy. Soft tissue neck radiographs will demonstrate retropharyngeal soft tissue swelling and soft tissue gas. Neck CT is helpful to demonstrate the extent of the disease and to determine if there are drainable fluid collections.