Deciphering Deep Neck Space Infections and its Management: A Case Series

Abstract

Deep Neck Space Infections (DNSI), which affect the potential deep cervical spaces often have a rapid onset and given their life-threatening complications, pose a significant challenge. For the most part, these infections arise from local extension of infections from a septic foci which is mostly of odontogenic and periodontal origin. A case series of neck space infections, their presentation, management and recovery is presented here. Although Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) scan has been touted as a routine investigation of deep neck infections, it is found that imaging by ultrasound saves time and resources and is of immense diagnostic value in localising and delineating the exact space involved and detecting impending complications so as to pre-empt it. Also, true to the maxim, “…never let the sun set on an undrained abscess”, surgical drainage on the first day even in stable cases followed by an empiric course of high dose broad spectrum antibiotics resulted in faster recovery.

Keywords

• dental abscess
• masticator space infection
• neck abscess
• submandibular space infection
• suppurative lymphadenitis in neck
• tooth decay
• trismus in neck abscess
• ultrasound in neck abscess