Deep Neck Infection; Two Contrastive Cases.

A deep neck infection is generally induced by infection of the tonsil and the pharynx and in some cases an abscess can develop deep in the neck. Although many antibiotics are available to treat this condition, some patients with risk factors including high age, diabetes mellitus and poor nutrition have high mortality due to septic shock. We report here two cases of deep neck infection with contrasting courses.A 32-year-old man without any underlying diseases developed an abscess deep in the neck on the oral floor. Drainage was successful and the abscess disappeared by the administration of combined antibiotics.In contrast the second patient was a 33-year-old man without any underlying diseases who also developed an abscess deep in the neck. He was treated with combined antibiotics, but the abscess advanced to the mediastinum. Drainage surgery was performed in the neck and mediastinum and he recovered well and was discharged 78 days after admission.