부산대학교 도서관

Deep neck abscesses involving the parapharyngeal area must be treated promptly because of the anatomical characteristics of the parapharyngeal space. A 51-year-old male and a 54-year old female were treated for parapharyngeal abscesses. Their chief complaints were painful swelling of the neck and trismus following sore throat with fever. The diagnosis was parapharyngeal abscess due to tonsillar infection. The abscesses were drained through a cervical skin incision. Bacteriological studies in both cases revealed anaerobic infections of the parapharyngeal space due to Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Bacteroides bivius and Peptostreptococcus intermedius. After surgery, Clindamycin, to which anaerobes are sensitive was administered intravenously.The parapharyngeal space lies adjacent to the naso- and oro-pharynx between the skull base and the hyoid bone. In this space there are many vital organs, such as the carotid artery, the jugular vein, the vagus, the glossopharyngeal and hypoglossal nerves, and the sympathetic chain and cervical lymph nodes. Prompt surgical drainage of the abscess and therapy with antibiotics to which anaerobic pathogens are sensitive are needed, because parapharyngeal abscess spread quickly and invade surrounding vital organs and tissues.