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Parapharyngeal abscess

Case contributed by David Cuete
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Fever, odynophagia

Patient Data

Age: 10 years
Gender: Female

CT neck

ct

Computed tomography shows a lesion that has a hypodense center with peripheral ring enhancement and irregular borders. There are adjacent inflammatory processes that compromise the ipsilateral parapharyngeal space, retropharyngeal and prevertebral region reaching the level C4, probably determined by cellulitis. Prominent tonsils with homogenous enhancement without hypodense areas in thickness. Right deep cervical lymphadenopathy of reactive aspect, reaching 1.5 cm, with homogenous enhancement. Right parotid gland enlarged with heterogeneous structure.

Case Discussion

Findings support right parapharyngeal abscess with associated inflammatory changes in the retropharyngeal and prevertebral spaces.

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