Mucosal emphysematous head and neck infections: Scoping review and a case of emphysematous tonsillitis.

Objective: This scoping review seeks to understand the existing research in otolaryngological mucosal emphysematous infections and to elucidate gaps in knowledge in the field. We also present a case of bilateral necrotizing tonsillitis in an immunocompromised patient with the first reported imaging findings of emphysematous abscess of the tonsils. Data Sources: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science. Review Methods: We conducted our review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews extension for Scoping Reviews. Patient presentation, management, and outcomes were summarized. We also describe the case of a patient with aplastic anemia found to have emphysematous tonsillitis, managed with intubation, broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics and bilateral tonsillectomy. Results: We identified seven case reports or series, involving nine total patients, who presented with emphysematous epiglottitis, supraglottitis, or tonsillitis. The hallmark imaging characteristic was submucosal "gas bubble" on computed tomography. Presenting symptoms included dysphagia, odynophagia, dysphonia, cough, and fever. Both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients were affected. All patients were treated with broad spectrum antibiotics, and most with steroids. Patients at risk of airway compromise also underwent intubation and surgical drainage or debridement of the emphysematous infection. Conclusion: Emphysematous pharyngeal infections are rare but potentially life-threatening infections that can progress rapidly, resulting in airway compromise and sepsis in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. We highlight the importance of swift intervention, with intubation and surgical intervention often required for severe cases. More research is needed on common pathogens and patient risk factors to guide future medical and surgical management.

Parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal infections in children: Kawasaki disease needs vigilance.

OBJECTIVE: Kawasaki Disease (KD) may mimic Parapharyngeal (PPI) and Retropharyngeal Infections (RPI), leading to misdiagnosis as Deep Neck Infections (DNIs). The treatment plans for the two diseases are different, and delayed treatment can lead to serious complications. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and management are necessary. This study was performed to evaluate the clinical features of KD mimicking DNIs and explore the treatment options. METHODS: Children with cellulitis or abscess in parapharyngeal or retropharyngeal space in neck CT were included in this study. The medical records of enrolled children were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: In total, 56 children were diagnosed with PPI or/and RPI. Twenty-two (39.3%) participants were eventually diagnosed with KD, and 34 (60.7%) were diagnosed with DNIs. Compared with the DNIs group, the KD group had a higher body temperature (p=0.007), and higher levels of AST (p=0.040), ALT (p=0.027), and ESR (p=0.030). Deep cervical cellulitis (p=0.005) were more common in the KD group. However, deep neck abscess often occurred in the DNIs group (p=0.002), with parapharyngeal abscess being the most common type of abscess (p=0.004). The KD mimicking DNIs cases did not respond to antibiotic treatment, but symptoms significantly improved after the use of Immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin. CONCLUSION: Children with KD may exhibit retropharyngeal or parapharyngeal inflammation in the early stages. KD should be considered a differential diagnosis for children with DNIs, high fever, and no response to antibiotic therapy. Surgery in KD mimicking deep neck abscess requires caution. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Prognostic value of systemic immune-inflammation index and serological biomarkers for deep neck infections / Valor pronóstico del índice de inmunoinflamación sistémica y biomarcadores serológicos para infecciones profundas del cuello

Background: Inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, neutrophil tolymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, and the systemic immune-inflammation index, have been proposedas prognostic factors diverse pathologies. However, their application for deep neck infections has yet to be clarified.Material and Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 163 adult patients with diagnosis of deep neck infec-tions with the aim to evaluate the association between serological biomarkers with complications and outcomes ofpatients with DNI. Studied variables included demographic data, complications of DNI, outcomes, complicationsand death of the included subjects. The evaluated serological biomarkers were hemoglobin, leukocytes, neutrophils,lymphocytes, platelets, glucose, creatinine, albumin, CRP, and ESR. NLR, PLR, and SIII index were estimated.Results: The patients’ mean age was 40.6 ± 15.3 years. Complications of DNI were observed in 19.6% (n=32) patients, being the need for tracheostomy due to airway obstruction (11%, n=18) and mediastinitis (8.6%, n= 14) themost common. Evaluated subjects had an increased value of serological biomarkers (SII index 2639.9 ± 2062.9,NLR 11.3 ± 8.5, PLR 184.1 ± 108.5, CRP 12.6 ± 8.9 mg/dL, ESR 20.7 ± 9.1 mm/h). Patients with complicationshad a significantly higher value of all inflammatory parameters (p < 0.05). A SII index cut-off value of 2975 wasselected from a ROC curve analysis. A sensitivity of 93.8%, specificity of 86.3%, a positive predictive value of62.5%, and a negative predictive value of 98.3% are reported. The SII index was found to have an increased positive predictive value compared to NLR, PLR, and CRP for DNI complications.Conclusions: Our analysis concluded that the SII index, NLR, and PLR are valuable biomarkers to assess the risk value of 2975.(AU)

Demographic disparities in children with retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses.

PURPOSE: To explore the impact that demographic and socioeconomic factors such as age, gender, race, and insurance status have on the diagnosis of retropharyngeal (RPA) and parapharyngeal abscesses (PPA) in the pediatric population. METHODS: The 2016 HCUP KID was searched for all RPA/PPA discharges using the joint ICD-10 code J39.0. Descriptive statistics, univariate, and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the relationship between demographic factors and their impact on RPA/PPA diagnosis. Results were reported with their corresponding odds ratio with a 95 % confidence interval and p-value. RESULTS: 56.4 per 100,000 weighted discharges were discharged with a diagnosis of a RPA/PPA, the average age was 5.7 years old, with a male predominance. Pediatric discharges diagnosed with a RPA/PPA were less likely to identify as Hispanic or Asian/Island Pacific. They were also less likely to be insured by Medicaid and reside in zip codes with a lower median income. CONCLUSION: The analysis of this national pediatric database demonstrated significant demographic differences in children diagnosed with RPA/PPAs. Following the multivariate analysis, children from a higher socioeconomic background and those with private insurance were more likely to be diagnosed with a RPA/PPAs. However, disparities in children's overall hospital course and complications is a potential area for future research.

Mediastinitis secondary to invasive infection by group A Streptococcus in Spain.

This study describes 5 mediastinitis cases secondary to invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) disease in a recent outbreak in Spain. Among 398 iGAS cases between January 2019-March 2023, 5 (1.3%) were mediastinitis, 4 occurring in December 2022, all secondary to pneumonia or deep neck infection. We outline the clinical outcome with a review of the scarce pediatric literature.  Conclusion: mediastinistis is a rare but severe complication of iGAS and a high level of suspicion is required to diagnose it. What is Known: • Group A Streptococcus can cause invasive and severe infections in children. • Mediastinitis is a severe complication from some bacterial infections, mainly secondary due to deep-neck abscesses. What is New: • Mediastinitis is an unrecognized complication due to an invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infection. • In cases of a deep-neck abscess or complicated pneumonia a high clinical suspicion of iGAS mediastinitis is required, especially when the clinical course is not favorable.

Deep neck space infections in end-stage renal disease patients: Prevalence and mortality.

Deep neck space infections (DNSI) are severe infections within the layers of neck fascia that are known to be associated with underlying immunocompromised states. Although uremia associated with kidney disease is known to cause immune system dysfunction, DNSI in patients with kidney disease has been poorly studied. This study investigated the prevalence of DNSI and the associated risk of mortality within the United States end-stage renal disease (ESRD) population, using a retrospective cohort study design and the United States Renal Data System database of patients (ages 18-100) who initiated dialysis therapy between 2005 and 2019. International Classification of Disease-9 and -10 codes were used to identify the diagnosis of DNSI and comorbid conditions. Of the 705,891 included patients, 2.2% had a diagnosis of DNSI. Variables associated with increased risk of DNSI were female sex, black compared to white race, catheter, or graft compared to arteriovenous fistula (AVF) access, autoimmune disease, chronic tonsillitis, diagnoses in the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), tobacco use, and alcohol dependence. DNSI diagnosis was an independent risk factor for mortality, which was also associated with other comorbidity factors such as older age, catheter or graft compared to AVF access, comorbidities in the CCI, tobacco use, and alcohol dependence. Because of the increased mortality risk of DSNI in the ESRD population, health professionals should encourage good oral hygiene practices and smoking cessation, and they should closely monitor these patients to reduce poor outcomes.

Infección de los espacios profundos del cuello de origen dentario / Odontogenic deep neck infections

RESUMEN Antecedentes: los pacientes con infecciones cervicales pueden presentar cuadros de extrema gravedad que ponen en riesgo su vida. Parece increíble que en pleno siglo XXI alguien muera por la infección de una muela, pero es real. Objetivo: describir los resultados con el diagnóstico y tratamiento de una serie de pacientes con infecciones de los espacios profundos del cuello de origen dentario, y establecer criterios para su manejo. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo a partir de los registros en nuestra base datos entre septiembre de 2006 y junio de 2022. Se incluyeron sólo pacientes con infecciones cervicales de origen dentario. Se evaluaron las variables demográficas, las relacionadas al origen de la complicación, el tratamiento realizado y la evolución de los pacientes. Resultados: la muestra quedó conformada por 499 pacientes, con promedio de edad de 29 años (12- 70); 288 (57.7%) eran hombres. Consultaron en forma tardía 269 (53,9%) y se automedicaron en forma inicial 271 pacientes (54.3%). La mayoría no había recibido tratamiento de la pieza dentaria en el centro de atención primaria. Se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico 267 casos (53.5%), y el resto pudo tratarse de forma conservadora. La evolución fue favorable en 497 pacientes (99.6 %), y dos fallecieron por mediastinitis. Conclusión: las infecciones odontógenas deben ser diagnosticadas y tratadas apropiadamente en forma precoz a fin de evitar cuadros de extrema gravedad. Las campañas de educación poblacional y la instrucción de los médicos/odontólogos de centros de atención primaria y servicios de guardia podría mejorar esta problemática.

ABSTRACT Background: Patients with deep infections may present with extremely serious and life-threatening conditions. It is unbelievable that someone could die from a molar infection in the 21st century, but it is real. Objective: The aim of the present study is to describe the diagnosis and treatment results of a series of patients with odontogenic deep neck infections, and to establish criteria for the management of these infections. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective and descriptive study based on records from a database from September 2006 to June 2022. Only patients with odontogenic deep neck infections were included. The demographic variables, those related to the origin of the complication, the treatment performed, and the patients' progress were evaluated. Results: The sample was made up of 499 patients; mean age was 29 years (12-70) and 288 (57.7%) were men. Late visits and self-medication were recorded in 269 patients (53.9%) and 271 patients (54.3%), respectively. Most of them had not received treatment for the affected tooth at the primary healthcare center. Surgical treatment was performed in 267 cases (53.5%), and the rest were managed with conservative approach. The disease had a favorable course in 497 patients (99.6%) and two patients died of mediastinitis. Conclusion: Odontogenic infections should be adequately diagnosed and treated correctly and early to avoid extremely serious complications. Population-based educational campaigns and training for physicians and dentists working in primary care centers and emergency departments could improve this issue.

An analysis of contributing factors of head and neck space infections of odontogenic origin: A long-term retrospective clinical study (including COVID-19 pandemic period)

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate predisposing factors for the head and neck infections (HNIs), regarding to the demographic data, anatomical spaces, microbiology and antibiotic sensitivity for affected patients. Material and Methods: A 13-year of retrospective study evaluating 470 patients with HNIs, treated as inpatient management in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of KyungHee University school of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea, from January 2009 to February 2022. Statistical analysis of demographic, time-related, anatomic, microbiologic, and treatment variables were investigated for each patient. Results: The frequency of HNIs was significantly higher in 50’s in males, followed by 70’s in females. High Severity score (SS) were significantly associated with increased LOH (Length of hospital stay) and LOM (Length of medication), while LOH showed more intensive relationship compared with LOM. The most frequently involved space in abscess was submandibular space, though incidence and severity of HNIs shows declining tendency throughout 13-year research. Streptococcus viridans was the most predominant species isolated from pus culture growth, and a combination of ampicillin and sulbactam was the 1st choice of antibiotics intravenously. According to the comparison analysis between recommended antibiotics from resistance testing result and clinically administered antibiotics, final coincidence rate was estimated about 55%. Conclusions: Due to HNIs being multifactorial, predicting progression and management of HNIs is still a challenge for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The present study showed several predisposing factors of SHNIs and their correlations, which could contribute to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment planning for clinicians,thereby leading to the improvement of prognosis for patients, ultimately. (AU)

Vacuum-Assisted Closure Therapy: A Lifesaver in a Case of Neck Necrotizing Fasciitis.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe and rare soft tissue infection with a high potential for mortality, particularly in cases related to odontogenic infections in immunocompromised patients. The conventional treatment for NF includes broad-spectrum antibiotics and aggressive surgical debridement. This report presents a unique case of a 34-year-old healthy male who developed NF following a lower left wisdom tooth extraction. The infection extended into the superior mediastinum, requiring emergency surgical intervention. The therapeutic management included vacuum-assisted closure (VAC), a treatment modality showing promise in managing complex soft tissue infections, in combination with other adjunct treatments. The patient showed a satisfactory healing process and no signs of recurrence during the six-month follow-up period. This case underlines the importance of early diagnosis and the potential benefit of VAC therapy in managing advanced NF, emphasizing the need for further research and clinical application.

Clinical and Microbiological Characteristics of Deep Neck Abscesses in Pediatrics: Analysis of a Case Series from a 3rd Level Pediatric Hospital.

As there is currently no consensus on managing deep neck infections in pediatric populations, we report a case series from a large pediatric hospital. Clinical data of patients discharged from Istituto Gaslini-Children's Hospital from January 2014 to June 2020 with peritonsillar, parapharyngeal, or retropharyngeal abscess diagnoses were collected. A total of 59 patients were identified. Patients underwent surgical drainage in 47% of cases. Streptococcus mitis/oralis was the most isolated pathogen. Surgically treated patients did have larger abscesses compared to others, but there were no differences in the duration of hospitalization. Children who received NSAIDs at home had significant delays in diagnosis (median 4 vs. 1.5 days, p = 0.008). In our experience, clinical presentation of DNIs is often evocative, but evaluation should include imaging with CT/MRI. Surgery is effective in larger abscesses, allowing for etiological diagnosis with consequent antibiotic adjusting. From an anamnestic point of view, home medications such as NSAIDs could delay diagnosis.

Antibiotic resistance of the bacterial spectrum of deep space head and neck infections in oral and maxillofacial surgery - a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the current resistance situation concerning routinely used antibiotics for treatment in odontogenic abscesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study assessed patients with deep space head and neck infections who were treated by surgical intervention under general anesthesia at our department. The target parameter was the ascertainment of the resistance rates in order to identify the bacterial spectrum, sites in the body, length of inpatient stay, and the age and sex of the patients. RESULTS: A total of 539 patients, 268 (49.7%) males and 271 (50.3%) females were included in the study. The mean age was 36.5 ± 22.1 years. There was no significant difference between the two sexes with regard to the mean duration of hospitalization (p = 0.574). The predominant bacteria in the aerobic spectrum were streptococci of the viridans group and staphylococci, in the anaerobic spectrum Prevotella and Propionibacteria spp. Rates of resistance to clindamycin were between 34 and 47% in both the facultative and obligate anaerobic spectrum. Increased resistance was likewise found in the facultative anaerobic spectrum, with 94% resistance to ampicillin and 45% to erythromycin. CONCLUSION: Due to the increasing levels of resistance to clindamycin, their use in empiric antibiotic treatment for deep space head and neck infections should be viewed critically. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Resistance rates continue to increase compared to previous studies. The use of these antibiotic groups in patients with a penicillin allergy needs to be called into question and alternative medications sought.

Odontogenic-Related Head and Neck Infections: From Abscess to Mediastinitis: Our Experience, Limits, and Perspectives-A 5-Year Survey.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck infections are commonly caused by affections with an odontogenic origin. Untreated or non-responsive to treatment odontogenic infections can cause severe consequences such as localized abscesses, deep neck infections (DNI), and mediastinitis, conditions where emergency procedures such as tracheostomy or cervicotomy could be needed. METHODS: An epidemiological retrospective observational study was performed, and the objective of the investigation was to present a single-center 5-years retrospective analysis of all patients admitted to the emergency department of the hospital Policlinico Umberto I "Sapienza" with a diagnosis of odontogenic related head and neck infection, observing the epidemiological patterns, the management and the type of surgical procedure adopted to treat the affections. RESULTS: Over a 5-year period, 376,940 patients entered the emergency room of Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, for a total of 63,632 hospitalizations. A total of 6607 patients were registered with a diagnosis of odontogenic abscess (10.38%), 151 of the patients were hospitalized, 116 of them were surgically treated (76.8%), and 6 of them (3.9%) manifested critical conditions such as sepsis and mediastinitis. CONCLUSIONS: Even today, despite the improvement of dental health education, dental affections can certainly lead to acute conditions, necessitating immediate surgical intervention.

Role of early extraction of odontogenic focus in deep neck infections

Background: Odontogenic deep neck infections remain a common condition that presents a challenging issue due to the complex involvement of the neck and adjacent structures and its potential life-threatening risk. Periapical infection of the second or third molar with spread to the submandibular and parapharyngeal spaces is the most commonly observed scenario. However, the time of dental extraction of the infection focus remains controversial. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the epidemiology, clinical and radiological features, and management in patients diagnosed with ODNI and to identify the role of early dental extraction on patient outcomes and recovery. Material and methods: This retrospective study included patients over 18 years old with a diagnosis of ODNI who were admitted to the University Hospital "Dr Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez" from January 2017 to January 2022. ODNI diagnosis was based on clinical and radiological evidence of the disease supplemented by dental and maxillofacial evaluation for an odontogenic aetiology. Results: A total of 68 patients were included in the study. The patients' mean age was 40.96 ± 14.9. Diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbidity. The submandibular space was the most common deep neck space involved (n=59, 86.8%). Mediastinitis, marginal nerve injury and orocervical fistula were observed in 7.5% of patients, with no fatality in this series. A delay of >3 days for dental extraction of the involved tooth was associated with an increased rate of mediastinitis (n=3, 100%, p= 0.022), number of surgical interventions (1.45 ± 0.61, p= 0.006), ICU stay (n=8, 40%, p= 0.019), and ICU length of stay (0.85 ± 0.8, p= 0.001). Conclusions: Expedited management with surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotic treatment, along with early extraction of the involved tooth, is mandatory. (AU)

A Near Miss of a Retropharyngeal Abscess with MRSA in a 5-Week-Old Boy Due to an Unusual Presentation.

A retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) in early childhood is not uncommon due to at-risk lymph nodes in this deep neck space and is typified by fever, odynophagia, and a constellation of respiratory manifestations. However, RPA is exceedingly rare in the neonatal subpopulation and not part of the usual differential diagnosis algorithm in this age range. Herein, we present a unique case of a previously healthy 5-week-old male infant with protracted "congestion" and difficulty in oral feeding, whose clinical course is confounded by intermittent, positional bradycardia and subsequent apnea. He was eventually diagnosed with a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) RPA, leading to concurrent vascular and airways compromise in the form of baroreceptor-mediated bradycardia from mass-effect carotid body compression. This clinical case is an important reminder that any infant with positional vital sign changes should prompt urgent and thorough investigation for extraordinary and otherwise uncommon pathophysiologic states. The case also highlights the power of multidisciplinary collaboration across multiple specialties and parental advocacy in unifying a diagnosis for rare pediatric illnesses.

Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in deep neck infections: an analysis of 74 consecutive patients / Abordagens diagnósticas e terapêuticas em infecções cervicais profundas: uma análise de 74 pacientes consecutivos

Abstract Introductıon: Deep neck infections are a group of diseases with serious complications and mortality, which can occur as a result of common diseases in the community and which have surgical and medical treatment options. Objectives: Patients ages, genders, complaints, physical examination findings, hospitalization complaints, history of antibiotic use before the application, additional diseases, radiological tests and analysis of examinations, type of treatment method, antibiotic agents selected in treatment, bacterial culture results, duration of hospitalization, complications, mortality rates were systematically recorded. In the study, anaerobic bacterial factors, which are difficult to produce in routine, were produced by considering special transport conditions and culture media. Methods: A total of 74 patients who were hospitalized in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Mersin, between 01.07.2016 and 01.07.2017 for deep neck infection were evaluated prospectively. The study included 37 female and 37 male patients. The ages of the patients ranged from 1 to 69 and the mean age was 31 years. Results: According to the analysis of the obtained data, there was a statistically significant relationship between the patients with additional diseases and the treatment modalities of the patients (p = 0.017). The surgical treatment rate was increased in this group of patients. In patients with a history of antibiotic use, it was found that patients in the pediatric group were in hospital longer in terms of length of stay compared to adults (p = 0.036). In adult patients who underwent surgery, the absorptive long axis was found to be longer in mm than in patients receiving isolated medical treatment (p = 0.008). Conclusions: Deep neck infections is a disease group that seriously concerns public health, with significant mortality and morbidity. Ensuring airway safety of patients should be the first intervention. Abscesses located lateral to the tonsil capsule may not drain adequately without concomitant tonsillectomy.

Resumo Introdução: As infecções cervicais profundas constituem um grupo de doenças com graves complicações e mortalidade, que podem ocorrer como resultado de doenças comuns na comunidade e que têm opções de tratamento médico e cirúrgico. Objetivo: Detectar bactérias anaeróbias e comparar a eficácia do tratamento médico-cirúrgico em diferentes faixas etárias. Método: Foram sistematicamente registrados idade dos pacientes, sexo, queixas, achados do exame físico, queixas na hospitalização, histórico de uso de antibióticos, doenças adicionais, exames radiológicos e análise dos exames, tipo de tratamento, agentes antibióticos selecionados no tratamento, resultados de cultura bacteriana, duração da hospitalização, complicações e taxas de mortalidade. No estudo, culturas bacterianas anaeróbias, difíceis de obter rotineiramente, mesmo considerando-se condições especiais de transporte e meios, foram obtidas. Foram avaliados prospectivamente 74 pacientes internados no Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia da Universidade de Mersin, entre 01.07.2016 e 07.07.2017, devido a infecção cervical profunda. O estudo incluiu 37 pacientes do sexo feminino e 37 do masculino. A idade dos pacientes variou de 1 a 69 anos e a média foi de 31. Resultados: De acordo com a análise dos dados obtidos, houve uma relação estatisticamente significante entre os pacientes com doenças adicionais e as modalidades de tratamento dos pacientes (p = 0,017). A taxa de tratamento cirúrgico foi maior nesse grupo de pacientes. Em pacientes com histórico de uso de antibióticos, verificou-se que aqueles do grupo pediátrico permaneceram mais tempo hospitalizados em comparação aos adultos (p = 0,036). Nos pacientes adultos submetidos à cirurgia, verificou-se que o eixo longo absortivo era mais longo em mm do que nos pacientes que receberam tratamento médico isolado (p = 0,008). Conclusão: As infecções cervicais profundas constituem um grupo de doenças que são preocupantes na saúde pública, com sua mortalidade e morbidade. Garantir a segurança das vias aéreas dos pacientes deve ser a primeira intervenção. Os abscessos localizados lateralmente à cápsula tonsilar podem não apresentar drenagem sem a tonsilectomia.

Oral and Maxillofacial Infections-A Bacterial and Clinical Cross-Section.

The treatment of oral and maxillofacial infections is based on a recognized algorithm that may require modification under the influence of various local and systemic factors. The aim of this study was to present a comprehensive and microbiological profile of oral and maxillofacial infections, and explore possible correlations between the course of an infection and selected systemic factors based on the medical records of 329 patients affected by the disease. We identified most common clinical, demographic, bacterial, and laboratory parameters specific for these infections. There were statistically significant differences in Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, number of accompanying diseases, otalgia, dyspnea, and speech difficulties occurrence and neck space involvement between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The duration of hospitalization and accompanying diseases correlated positively with the patient age and white blood cell count, and C-reactive protein value negatively correlated with age. The primary cause of infections, age, and comorbid diseases can modify the infection course and increase the risk of developing serious complications. It confirms the need for effective and targeted bacterial treatment in the early stages of infections. Age and general diseases are the most important systemic factors determining the infection symptoms and laboratory parameters assessing the severity of the inflammatory process.

Retropharyngeal, Parapharyngeal and Peritonsillar Abscesses.

Deep neck infections (DNIs) include all the infections sited in the potential spaces and fascial planes of the neck within the limits of the deep layer of the cervical fascia. Parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal infections leading to parapharyngeal abscess (PPA) and retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) are the most common. DNIs remain an important health problem, especially in children. The aim of this narrative review is to describe the management of peritonsillar, retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses in pediatric age. Despite relatively uncommon, pediatric DNIs deserve particular attention as they can have a very severe course and lead to hospitalization, admission to the intensive care unit and, although very rarely, death. They generally follow a mild upper respiratory infection and can initially present with signs and symptoms that could be underestimated. A definite diagnosis can be made using imaging techniques. Pus collection from the site of infection, when possible, is strongly recommended for definition of diseases etiology. Blood tests that measure the inflammatory response of the patient may contribute to monitor disease evolution. The therapeutic approach should be targeted toward the individual patient. Regardless of the surgical treatment, antibiotics are critical for pediatric DNI prognosis. The diagnostic-therapeutic procedure to be followed in the individual patient is not universally shared because it has not been established which is the most valid radiological approach and which are the criteria to be followed for the differentiation of cases to be treated only with antibiotics and those in which surgery is mandatory. Further studies are needed to ensure the best possible care for all children with DNIs, especially in this era of increased antimicrobial resistance.

Evaluation of clinical parameters affecting the prognosis in surgically treated patients with descending necrotizing mediastinitis - A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is the most serious complication of maxillofacial infections followed with high mortality. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate possible prognostic clinical factors for survival of patients with DNM based on single center clinical data. METHODS: The study enrolled patients admitted to the Emergency Center of Vojvodina with the diagnosis of DNM either as the primary diagnosis or with discharged diagnosis after surgical treatment during 11-years period. The data were obtained from patient medical records. RESULTS: After final analysis total of 28 charts were randomized for statystical analysis, 19 charts in survivors and 9 in non-survivors group. The most common cause of infection in survivors group was odontogenic and in non-survivors group pharyngeal infection. On multivariate regression analysis of collected data results of control computed tomography, preoperative Endo status, early postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonine (PCT) values and postoperative complications were statistically significant predictors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Based on results of this study, extent of infection in the mediastinum based on Endo's criteria, progression of infection on control cervicothoracic CT, increase of CRP and PCT values in immediate postoperative period and presence of postoperative complications and septic shock provide poor prognosis for patients with DNM.

Primary tuberculosis of the pyriform sinus: A case report.

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) accounts for about 20% of cases in immunocompetent patients and 50% of cases in HIV-positive individuals (7). Except for the cervical lymph nodes location, head and neck tuberculosis is rare. Clinical presentation: A 32-year-old man presented with chronic and progressive sore throat and dysphagia lasting for 4 months. The clinical examination revealed a lesion in the left piriform sinus confirmed by CT. a biopsy was performed and the histological results showed a chronic and granulomatous inflammatory process composed of epithelioid and giganto-cellular follicles centered by large areas of caseous necrosis, concluding tuberculosis of the pyriform sinus. Discussion: Primary tuberculosis of the hypopharynx is very rare. In most cases, is revealed by odynophagia, dysphagia, but it can also mimic the signs of a malignant tumor, hence, the difficulty in diagnosing this localization. Few articles have been reporting cases of hypopharyngeal tuberculosis, in these articles, the main symptom was dysphagia, as was the case with our patient. Given the rarity of hypopharyngeal tuberculosis, several differential diagnoses are to consider: squamous cell carcinoma, which is has a similar clinical manifestation to tuberculosis. There is also, rarely, oropharyngeal lymphoma, minor salivary gland tumors, neurogenic tumors, and Wegener's disease. The Diagnosis of EPT is established when Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacillus is isolated and the epithelioid and giganto-cellular follicles centered by large areas of caseous necrosis is found in the histopathological examination of the endoscopic biopsy specimen. The Treatment is medical, by Anti bacillar chemotherapy, however the period is longer the pulmonary tuberculosis, it extends from of six to twelve months.Through this study, the main lesseons and are that Malignant lesion is always to rule out when a suspicious lesion of the hypopharynx is found, we also come to conclude that the ndoscopic and clinical aspect between tumoral and tuberculosis of the hypopharynx are very similar The diagnosis is confirmed with biopsy of the lesion. Conclusion: primary tuberculosis of the pyriform sinus is very rare. it's mandatory to rule out malignant pharyngeal lesions and consider hypo-pharyngeal tuberculosis as one of the differential diagnoses in lesions especially in the countries where tuberculosis is endemic.