Extensive gas-forming infection of the deep neck and laryngeal spaces

Abstract

We report the case of a 46-year-old diabetic male who presented to us with swelling in the neck associated with dysphagia and respiratory discomfort following dental infection. The CT-scan and soft tissue neck radiograms of the patient revealed an extensive head and neck abscess with gas pockets. Prompt surgical intervention with antibiotic coverage and control of diabetes led to recovery of the patient. The absence in the literature of any previous report of a laryngeal gasforming abscess resulting from a primary dental infection prompted us to report this case.

Keywords

• Parapharyngeal space. Retropharyngeal space. Paraglottic space. Preepiglottic space. Gas-forming infection. Odontogenic