Extracranial head and neck infections

• Published in: Critical care clinics Vol. 29; no. 3; p. 443
• Main Authors: Jaworsky, Denise, Reynolds, Steven, Chow, Anthony W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.2013
• Subjects: Airway Obstruction - etiology; Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; Bacterial Infections - complications; Bacterial Infections - microbiology; Bacterial Infections - therapy; Cardiac Tamponade - etiology; Drainage - methods; Empyema, Pleural - etiology; Focal Infection - complications; Focal Infection - microbiology; Focal Infection - therapy; Head - microbiology; Head - physiopathology; Humans; Intubation, Intratracheal - methods; Mediastinal Diseases - etiology; Neck - microbiology; Neck - physiopathology; Nervous System Diseases - etiology; Pharyngeal Diseases - etiology; Pneumonia, Aspiration - etiology; Sinusitis - complications; Sinusitis - microbiology; Sinusitis - therapy; Stomatognathic Diseases - complications; Stomatognathic Diseases - microbiology; Stomatognathic Diseases - physiopathology; Stomatognathic Diseases - therapy; Danger space infection; Lateral pharyngeal space infection; Retropharyngeal space infection; Mediastinitis; Prevertebral space infection; Ludwig angina; Sinusitis; Submandibular space infection
• ISSN: 1557-8232
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ccc.2013.03.003

This article outlines infections in the submandibular, lateral pharyngeal, retropharyngeal, danger, and prevertebral spaces, in conjunction with infections of the sinuses and mediastinum. By understanding the anatomy and pathophysiology, the reader will gain insight into the rationale for various therapeutic options.