Chronic Retropharyngeal Abscess: Causes, Features, Treatment

Aetiology
It is tubercular in nature and IS the result of (1) caries of
cervical spine or (2) tuberculous infection of retropharyngeal
lymph nodes secondary to tuberculosis of deep
cervical nodes. The former presents centrally behind the
prevertebral fascia while the latter is limited to one side
of midline as in true retropharyngeal abscess behind the
buccopharyngeal fascia.
Clinical Features
Patient may complain of discomfort in throat. Dysphagia,
though present, is not marked. Posterior pharyngeal wall
shows a fluctuant swelling centrally or on one side of
midline. Neck may show tuberculous lymph nodes. In
cases with caries of cervical spine, X-rays are diagnostic.
Treatment
1. Incision and. drainage of abscess. It can be done through
a vertical incision along the anterior border of sternomastoid
(for low abscess) or along its posterior
border (for high abscess ).

2. Full course of antitubercular therapy should be
given.