Uncommon presentation of streptococcus pyogens manifesting as sudden neck swelling leading to respiratory distress - A series of 3 cases in children

Abstract

Streptococcus Pyogens, a group A beta hemolytic bacteria causes a variety of diseases in children ranging from acute pharyngitis to acute rheumatic fever and acute glomerulonephritis. In addition it has emerged as important cause of toxic shock syndrome and of life-threatening skin and soft tissue infections. Bilateral neck swelling of sudden onset (within few hours) compromising the airway requiring urgent intubation and ventilation due to Streptococcus pyogens has rarely been reported in children. We report three such cases admitted to our hospital in the last 6 months.

Keywords

• intubation
• streptococcus pyogens
• neck swelling