TB Research

Retropharyngeal Tuberculous Abscess: A Rare Cause of Upper Airway Obstruction and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children: A Case Report

Weldetsadik AY, Bedane A, Riedel F

Journal of tropical pediatrics · 2019-12

Abstract

Retropharyngeal tuberculous abscess (RPTBA) is a rare manifestation of tuberculosis (TB) even in high TB burden areas. It rarely manifests as a cause of upper airway obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children with few case reports in the literature. We report a 22 months old toddler who presented with upper airway obstruction and OSA and was diagnosed with RPTBA. The child recovered completely and growing normally after intra-oral aspiration and 6 months of anti-tuberculosis treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Lung
  • Humans
  • Tuberculosis
  • Retropharyngeal Abscess
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive
  • Airway Obstruction
  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Paracentesis
  • Infant
  • Male