Airway management in a rare case of tuberculous retropharyngeal abscess with cervical spine instability. Issue 1 (27th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ayyash, Reema; Pradhan, Chandrashekhar; Syed, Mohd Arif
• Is Part Of: Anaesthesia cases. Volume 3:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 64
• Page End: 68
• Publication Date: 2015-05-27
• Subjects: 617.9605
• DOI: 10.21466/ac.AMIARCO.2015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2396-8397

Abstract

Summary: Tuberculous retropharyngeal abscess is extremely rare in adults and, if left untreated, is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment with anti‐tuberculosis drugs is essential. Delay can lead to long‐term disability due to spinal cord compression or spinal deformity. Spinal involvement is seen in 5% of cases. This report highlights the challenges faced in airway management of a young adult male with cervical spine instability secondary to tubercular retropharyngeal abscess. The importance of co‐ordinated multi‐speciality intervention in facilitating a successful outcome is emphasised.