Bilateral deep neck space infection in pediatric patients: review of literature and report of a case.

The diagnosis and treatment of deep neck infections is still an enigma for surgeons and physicians. Because of the complexity and the deep location of this region, the diagnosis and treatment in this area is difficult. The anatomy of deep neck spaces is highly complex and therefore precise localization of infections in this region is very difficult. The diagnoses of deep neck space infection (DNSI) are difficult because of the deep location of these spaces and are usually covered by substantial amount of normal superficial soft tissue. Access: To gain surgical access to the deep neck spaces, the superficial tissues must be crossed with the risk of injury to the neurovascular structures in the neck. Neural dysfunction, vascular erosion or thrombosis, and osteomyelitis are some of the complications of DNSI because of the proximity of nerves, vessels, bones, and other soft tissues. Deep neck spaces are communicated with each other and infections from one space can spread to adjacent space. DNSI, if not diagnosed early and promptly, may result in serious consequences even mortality. The treatment of DNSI with antibiotic therapy and drainage is most often definitive and recurrence of these cases is rare.