Disease or Syndrome
retropharyngeal abscess
Subclass of:
Pharyngitis; Abscess
Definitions related to retropharyngeal abscess:
  • An abscess that develops in the soft tissues behind the posterior pharyngeal wall.
    NCI Thesaurus
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • An accumulation of purulent material in the space between the PHARYNX and the CERVICAL VERTEBRAE. This usually results from SUPPURATION of retropharyngeal LYMPH NODES in patients with UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS, perforation of the pharynx, or head and neck injuries.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
  • Retropharyngeal abscesses, most common among young children, can cause sore throat, fever, neck stiffness, and stridor. Diagnosis requires lateral neck x-ray or CT. Treatment is with endotracheal intubation, drainage, and antibiotics.
    Merck Manuals
    Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
  • Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) produces the symptoms of sore throat, fever, neck stiffness, and stridor. Retropharyngeal abscess occurs less commonly today than in the past because of the widespread use of antibiotics for suppurative upper respiratory infections.
    Medscape
    WebMD, 2019
  • Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) is a neck infection involving abscess formation in the space between the prevertebral fascia and the constrictor muscles. The condition occurs most frequently in children but its incidence is increasing in adults.
    Epocrates
    Athenahealth, Inc., 2019
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.