Retropharyngeal abscess with cervical discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Escherichia coli in a patient with liver cirrhosis

Abstract

We describe the case of a 67-year-old male with liver cirrhosis who presented with fever and neck pain. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine detected cervical vertebral osteomyelitis, and enhanced CT of the neck and spine revealed retropharyngeal abscess. The patient was treated with empirical antimicrobial therapy and surgical drainage due to significant airway involvement. Escherichia coli was cultured from the blood and pus in inferior cervical vertebrae which was a rare pathogen. Haematogenous spread may have resulted in cervical vertebral osteomyelitis and retropharyngeal abscess. With high mortality rates, early diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess is required to avoid debilitating complications such as airway obstruction.