Parapharyngeal abscess

Parapharyngeal abscess is a deep neck abscess. It is also known as abscess of pharyngomaxillary or lateral pharyngeal space. Parapharyngeal abscess involve the parapharyngeal space.Parapharyngeal space is lateral to the superior pharyngeal constrictor and medial to the masseter muscle, this space is divided by styloid process into anterior and posterior compartment. This space contains the carotid artery, internal jugular vein, numerous nerves.

Both sex are equally affected Any age group can develop a parapheryngeal abscess but it is most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Adults who are immunocompromised are also at high risk.

Infection can occur from:

Fever, sore throat, odynophagia (painful swallowing), swelling in neck.

Anterior space abscess can cause trismus (spasm of jaw muscle) and hard mass formation along the angle of the mandible, with medial bulging of the tonsil and lateral pharyngeal wall. Posterior space abscess causes swelling in posterior pharyngeal wall. Trismus (spasm of jaw muscle) is minimal. Posterior abscess may involve structures within the carotid sheath, causing rigors, high fever, bacteremia, neurologic deficit, massive haemorrhage caused by carotid artery rupture.

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