[Cervical Pott's disease revealed by retropharyngeal abscesses]

Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac. 2007 Dec;108(6):543-6. doi: 10.1016/j.stomax.2007.03.001. Epub 2007 Jul 5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Retropharyngeal abscesses are exceptional in adults. The etiologies are numerous, cervical spine tuberculosis is one of them.

Observation: We report two cases of cervical Pott's disease revealed by a retropharyngeal abscess. The clinical presentation was non-specific, dominated by oropharyngeal obstruction. Radiological findings suggested the diagnosis, showing a retropharyngeal collection with vertebral osteolysis. The bacteriological and histological assessment confirmed the diagnosis. The evolution was favorable after treatment by antituberculosis drugs.

Discussion: Vertebral tuberculosis is rare. Cervical involvement is exceptional, and retropharyngeal abscesses can be the revealing feature of this condition. Symptoms are not specific. The diagnosis is based on radiological and bacteriological assessment. Treatment with antituberculosis drugs leads to a good outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cervical Vertebrae / microbiology*
  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Paracentesis
  • Retropharyngeal Abscess / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tuberculosis, Spinal / complications*