European annals of otorhinolaryngology, head and neck diseases
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Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis · Feb 2016
Case ReportsInfectious arteritis of the internal carotid artery complicating retropharyngeal abscess.
Retropharyngeal abscess is a well-known entity in children, but can also occur in adults. The two main vascular complications are vascular compression and pseudoaneurysm, while infectious arteritis of the internal carotid artery is exceptional. ⋯ This case highlights the importance of thorough examination of imaging performed in the context of deep neck space abscess to detect signs of vascular involvement. Treatment must be aggressive in view of the life-threatening risk of arterial rupture or septic embolism. This is the first reported case of infectious arteritis involving the internal carotid artery complicating retropharyngeal abscess.