Retropharyngeal abscess due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a case of acute myeloid leukemia

Intern Med. 2005 Apr;44(4):346-9. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.44.346.

Abstract

We describe a case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) complicated with retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a 56-year-old man. After administration of vancomycin and lavage of the retropharyngeal space with gentamicin, complete resolution of the RPA was observed. Despite their lower frequency, deep neck infections are associated with high mortality rates. The possibility of RPA should be considered in patients who present with fever, dysphagia and limitation of neck extension. Lavage of the retropharyngeal abscess with gentamicin may be optimal in cases of large RPA.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / complications*
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Methicillin Resistance*
  • Middle Aged
  • Retropharyngeal Abscess / complications*
  • Retropharyngeal Abscess / diagnosis
  • Retropharyngeal Abscess / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcal Infections / complications*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vancomycin / administration & dosage
  • Vancomycin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Vancomycin