Paediatric retropharyngeal abscess with potts spine — A rare case

Abstract

Tubercular retropharyngeal abscess along with potts spine is very rare in children. As there is no specific sign and symptoms of tuberculosis are present and even if present can be masked by features of nretropharyngeal abscess these cases may have delay in diagnosis. Early diagnosis is important to start proper treatment and can prevent the disability and mortality. In this article we report a case where a child presented to our opd with complaint of right sided neck swelling, dysphagia and neck pain with restricted movement. Any symptoms or signs of tuberculosis were not present. Clinical examination and MRI of neck suggested this as a case of retropharyngeal abscess with cervical spine involvement. Intraoral surgical drainage of pus sent for CBNAAT examination and it revealed the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Antitubercular regimen was given for 12 months. During follow up his symptoms gradually improved and after 1 and 2 year follow up child was free from tuberculosis. So in conclusion we can say retropharyngeal abscess in child should be dealt promptly and in case of abcesses refractory to conventional medical treatment, high degree of suspicion of tuberculosis should have present especially in endemic countries in order to reduce morbidities and improve clinical outcome. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the scenario significantly.