Deep neck infections - A review of their clinical presentation, diagnosis and management

Despite major advances in diagnostic techniques and management strategies, deep neck infections still carry significant mortality and morbidity. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to prevent the development of serious complications. These include airway compromise, jugular vein thrombosis, mediastinitis and carotid aneurysm or rupture. Deep neck infections are a diagnostic challenge to physicians due to the variability of presenting symptoms and the frequent lack of clearly appreciable signs. The management of deep neck abscess is controversial: issues such as the type and duration of antimicrobial treatment and the optimal surgical approach are currently under debate. In this article we review the main characteristics of deep neck infections, especially of those occurring in children, summarising the most relevant paediatric studies in the new millennium.