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Ten years of deep neck space abscesses

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 March 2019

J Buckley ,
A S Harris  and
J Addams-Williams
J Buckley*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Scotland, UK
A S Harris
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
J Addams-Williams
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Wales, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Miss J Buckley, Department of Otolaryngology, Ninewells Hospital, James Arrott Dr, Dundee DD2 1SY, Scotland E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background

The incidence of deep neck space abscesses, which can result in significant morbidity and mortality, is rising. The aetiology is thought to be dental. However, this study suggests a reduction in tonsillectomies may be associated with the rise.

Method

In a retrospective cohort study, patients were identified by a clinical code within one hospital over 10 years. Evidence of preceding infection source, management, lifestyle risks, comorbidities and demographics were extracted.

Results

Fifty-two patients were included: 23 (44 per cent) had concurrent or recent tonsillitis; 11 (21 per cent) had poor dental hygiene; 22 (42 per cent) were smokers; and 9 (17 per cent) had diabetes. The incidence of deep neck space abscess cases increased from 1 in 2006, to 15 in 2015 (correlation value 0.9; p = 0.00019).

Conclusion

The incidence of deep neck space abscess cases is increasing. Risk factors include tonsillitis, smoking and dental infection. This paper adds to the growing evidence that deep neck space abscesses are increasingly related to tonsillitis, and questions whether the threshold for tonsillectomy has been raised too high.

Keywords

TonsillitisRetropharyngeal AbscessTonsillectomyNeckAbscessPeritonsillar Abscess
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 133 , Issue 4 , April 2019 , pp. 324 - 328
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited, 2019 

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Footnotes

Miss J Buckley takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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