IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Air in retropharyngeal space

Case contributed by Thuan Tzen, Koh
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Difficulty breathing and dysphagia.

Patient Data

Age: 25 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Thin air is seen within the retropharyngeal space and also tracks anteriorly along other neck fascial planes. No radiopaque foreign body such as a bone is identified within the soft tissues of the neck.  

Case Discussion

Air within the retropharyngeal space and tracking anteriorly along other neck fascial planes. The cause of the air leak may be a local perforation of the upper aerodigestive tract or the air may have tracked from the chest such as may be seen in pneumomediastinum related to asthma or with esophageal perforation. Clinical correlation and chest x-ray would be useful for further clarification. Contrast swallow under fluoroscopy could be used to exclude a pharyngeal or esophageal leak if required. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.