Deep neck infection

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Synonyms and keywords: cervical fascial space infection; DNI; perimandibular space infection

Overview

Pathophysiology

Anatomic Considerations of Deep Neck Spaces

Based on their spatial relation to the hyoid, deep neck spaces may be divided into three anatomic groups:^[1]^[2]

Spaces above the level of the hyoid

Peritonsillar space

– The peritonsillar space lies between the palatine tonsil and the lateral superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle and is bounded anteriorly and posteriorly by the tonsillar pillars. Infection of the peritonsillar space is commonly associated with tonsillitis in older children or young adults.^[3]

Submandibular space

– The submandibular space encloses the space between the mandible and the hyoid and consists of two compartments: the supramylohyoid compartment and the inframylohyoid compartment. Infection of the submandibular space is typically caused by odontogenic pathogens, including Streptococcus viridans, Staphylococcus spp., Prevotella spp, and Peptostreptococcus spp.^[4]

– Ludwig's angina denotes the condition of rapidly spreading cellulitis in the submandibular space resulting in acute respiratory distress secondary to upper airway obstruction.

Parapharyngeal space (lateral pharyngeal space or pharyngomaxillary space)

– The parapharyngeal space lies between the middle layer and the superficial layer of deep cervical fascia. Infection of the parapharygeal space often arises from pharyngitis, tonsillitis, otitis, mastoiditis, parotitis, and cervical lymphadenitis.

Masticator space (temporal space)

– The masticator space locates between the pterygoid muscle medially and the masseter muscle laterally. Infection of the masticator space generally originates from the posterior mandibular molars.

Buccal space

– The buccal space lies between the buccinator muscle medially and the skin of the cheek laterally. Infection of the buccal space is often odontogenic in origin.

Parotid space

– The parotid space lies between the parapharyngeal space and the parotid fascia. Infection of the parotid space frequently stems from parotid duct obstruction or lymphadenitis.

Spaces that involve the entire length of the neck

Retropharyngeal space (retrovisceral space or retroesophageal space)

– The retropharyngeal space is bounded by the carotid sheaths laterally and extends from the skull base to the mediastinum. Infection of the retropharyngeal space is typically polymicrobial in origin and commonly observed in children younger than 5 years.

Danger space

– The danger space lies between the alar fascia anteriorly and the prevertebral fascia posteriorly. Infection in the danger space tends to complicate mediastinitis, empyema, and sepsis.

Prevertebral space

– The prevertebral space extends between the prevertebral fascia and the underlying vertebral bodies. Infection in the prevertebral space may be secondary to Pott's disease or retropharyngeal and danger space infections.

Carotid space (visceral vascular space)

– The carotid space is encased by the carotid sheaths and harbors the carotid artery, internal jugular vein, cranial nerves IX, X, XI, and XII, and cervical sympathetic chain. Infection of the carotid space may result from disseminated infections of the adjacent spaces or direct inoculation.

Spaces below the level of the hyoid

Anterior visceral space (pretracheal space)

– The anterior visceral space lies between the infrahyoid strap muscles and the esophagus. Infection of the anterior visceral space is commonly associated with traumatic insult to the anterior esophageal wall.

Causes

Aerobes

Frequently Isolated Aerobes

Less Frequently Isolated Aerobes

Anaerobes

Frequently Isolated Anaerobes

Less Frequently Isolated Anaerobes

Atypical Pathogens

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

Complications

Infection of the submandibular space may complicated by Ludwig's angina, mediastinitis, osteomyelitis of the mandible, pleural effusion, empyema, or infection of carotid sheath structures.
Infection of the carotid space may be complicated by Lemierre's syndrome leading to thrombosis of the internal jugular vein, aneurysm or rupture of the carotid artery, ipsilateral Horner's syndrome, or cranial nerve palsies of the CN IX through CN XII.
Infection of the parapharyngeal space may be complicated by septicemia and complications related to carotid sheath involvement.
Infection of the retropharyngeal space may be complicated by aspiration of pus from ruptured abscess, airway obstruction requiring intubation or tracheotomy, or cavernous sinus thrombosis.
Infection of the danger space may be complicated by disseminated infection leading to mediastinitis, empyema, pneumonia, or septicemia.
Necrotizing fasciitis may occur as a late sequela of deep neck infection in elderly patients, immunocompromised hosts, or poorly controlled diabetics.^[5]

Diagnosis

History

In the absence of acute respiratory distress, history taking should attempt to identify potential sources of the deep neck infection, such as any recent illness affecting oropharyngeal structures, dental caries or procedures, upper airway surgeries, penetrating injuries in the head and neck, or intravenous drug use. Other pertinent history includes host immune status (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus infection, recent use of chemotherapeutic agent or corticosteroids) and past medical history of chronic hepatitis, diabetes mellitus, rheumatic disorders, or hematologic malignancy. In these settings, patients are at an increased risk of rapidly progressive diseases or atypical clinical presentations not featured by marked inflammatory responses.^[6]

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms may reflect generalized or local inflammatory processes in response to the infection. Fever, neck pain, and neck swelling are the most prevalent symptoms in adults. Dysphagia, odynophagia, drooling, hoarseness ("hot potato" voice), shortness of breath, trismus, or otalgia may also occur. Pediatric patients commonly present with fever, neck mass, neck stiffness, sore throat, drooling, or poor oral intake.^[7]^[8]

Physical Examination

Head and Neck

Palpation of the neck disclose localizing tenderness, swelling, or crepitus due to gas-producing organisms or trauma to the airway.

Eyes

Extraocular movement abnormalities or absent papillary light reflex may be indicative of orbital inflammation or abscess.

Ear

Examination of the ear canal may reveal erythema, tenderness, purulent discharge, or abnormalities of the eardrum.

Mouth

Pain or difficulty with mouth opening suggests dissenminated infection involving the parapharyngeal or masticator space.
Decayed teeth with swollen dental alveoli may indicate odontogenic infection.
Tenderness, edema, or purulent discharge at the floor of the mouth may be noted.

Throat

Examination of the throat may reveal inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis and other upper airway structures.

Laboratory Findings

Complete blood count with differential
Basic metabolic panel
Coagulation panel
Culture of the blood and aspirates (aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, or atypical pathogens)
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
C-reactive protein

Imaging Studies

Lateral neck radiograph may demonstrate retropharyngeal or parapharyngeal abscesses.
Chest radiograph may be useful when screening for intrathoracic processes such as mediastinitis or empyema.
Dental radiograph may be useful in identifying odontogenic infections.
Ultrasound may aid in distinguishing a drainable abscess from cellulitis.
Contrast-enhanced CT scan of the neck is the standard of care and should be used to characterize the extent of involvement and differentiate the nature of lesion.
Magnetic resonance imaging may be considered if high resolution of soft tissues is required.
Magnetic resonance angiography may be used to evaluate vascular complications such as thrombosis, aneurysm, or rupture of the internal jugular vein and carotid artery.

Treatment

Airway Management

Securing the airway is the key initial management of any patient with suspected deep neck infection. Airway patency should be confirmed before transporting the patient for radiographic evaluation. Intravenous access should be established for administration of medications. A tracheotomy set should be made available and tracheotomy may be considered in cases where minimal airway lumen can be visualized. Other options of airway interventions include endotracheal intubation, nasal fiberoptic intubation, and cricothyrotomy.

Medical Therapy

In light of the polymicrobial and rapidly progressive nature of deep neck infection, patients should receive timely empiric treatment with broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics covering Gram-positive cocci and Gram-negative bacilli with or without anaerobes. The choice of antibiotic regimen should be tailored based on clinical scenario, host immune status, and local antibiogram data. In immunocompromised state or nosocomial setting, pseudomonal coverage should be considered, with additional anaerobic coverage in fulminant odontogenic deep neck infections. Antimicrobial therapy should be deescalated as culture and susceptibility results permit.^[9]^[10]

Community-Acquired Deep Neck Infection

Ampicillin-Sulbactam 1.5–3.0 g IV q6h OR Clindamycin 600–900 mg IV q8h OR Moxifloxacin 400 mg daily (if Eikenella is suspected)

Nosocomial Deep Neck Infection or Immunocompromised Host

Ticarcillin-Clavulanate 3.0 g IV q6h OR Pipercillin-Tazobactam 3.0 g IV q6h OR Imipenem-Cilastatin 500 mg IV q6h OR Ciprofloxacin 400 mg IV q12h OR Levofloxacin 750 mg IV q24h