Retropharyngeal tuberculosis abscess: a case report and review of the literature

Objective: Retropharyngeal tuberculosis abscess is a rare presentation of extra pulmonary tuberculosis and a potentially life-threatening deep neck infection.The diagnosis and early management of the disease is important and delays may result in severe disabilities and poor outcome.Case report: A 30 years-old male patient was referred to outpatient clinic with complaints of dyphagia and difficulty on swallowing.Symptoms or signs of tuberculosis was not present.Physical examination and computed tomography of neck revealed retropharyngeal abscess.Despite intraoral surgical drainage and antituberculosis medical treatment, patient complaint upper limp muscle weakness.After cervical exposure and drain placement into the abscess, his dysphagia and upper limp muscle weakness symptoms gradually improved.Conclusion: Extra pulmonary tuberculosis should be dealt with high degree suspicion in case of abcesses refractory to medical treatment and surgical drainage especially in endemic countries in order to reduce disabilities and improve clinical outcome.