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KEY FACTS
Terminology
Imaging
Top Differential Diagnoses
Pathology
Clinical Issues
Diagnostic Checklist
TERMINOLOGY
Abbreviations
- Retropharyngeal space (RPS)
Synonyms
- Retropharyngeal effusion, benign retropharyngeal fluid
Definitions
- Accumulation of sterile fluid, effacing RPS fat
IMAGING
General Features
Radiographic Findings
CT Findings
MR Findings
Ultrasonographic Findings
Imaging Recommendations
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
PATHOLOGY
General Features
Microscopic Features
CLINICAL ISSUES
Presentation
Demographics
Natural History & Prognosis
Treatment
DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST
Consider
Image Interpretation Pearls
Reporting Tips
Selected References
- Aiken AH et al: Approach to masses in head and neck spaces. In: Diseases of the Brain, Head and Neck, Spine 2020–2023: Diagnostic Imaging. [Internet]. Hodler J et al, editors. Cham: Springer, 2020
- Lim S et al: Deep neck inflammation: probable Kawasaki disease in Korean children. Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol. 13(1):77-82, 2020
- Mnatsakanian A et al: Anatomy, Head and Neck, Retropharyngeal Space 2020 in StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020
- Appachi S et al: Spontaneous cervical chyle fistula: A case report. Am J Otolaryngol. 40(4):598-600, 2019
- Au DCY et al: Kawasaki disease with retropharyngeal edema: case series from a single center experience. Chin Med J (Engl). 132(14):1753-4, 2019
- Chapman SC et al: Lemierre's syndrome: an atypical presentation. Ann Vasc Surg. 60:479.e1-4, 2019
- Inagaki K et al: Deep neck space involvement of Kawasaki disease in the US: a population-based study. J Pediatr. 215:118-22, 2019
- Naik PP et al: Longus colli tendinitis: the lost twin of retropharyngeal abscess. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 71(Suppl 1):771-5, 2019
- Ratzon R et al: Thrombosis, anticoagulation and outcomes in malignant superior vena cava syndrome. J Thromb Thrombolysis. 47(1):121-8, 2019
- Bhatt AA: Non-traumatic causes of fluid in the retropharyngeal space. Emerg Radiol. 25(5):547-51, 2018
- Zimmerman S et al: Rapid Fire: Superior Vena Cava Syndrome. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 36(3):577-584, 2018
- Hsu CH et al: An unusual case of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis presenting with retropharyngeal edema. Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis. 133(5):355-356, 2016
- Al-Natour MS et al: Superior vena cava syndrome with retropharyngeal edema as a complication of ventriculoatrial shunt. Clin Case Rep. 3(10):777-80, 2015
- Nomura O et al: Comparison of patients with Kawasaki disease with retropharyngeal edema and patients with retropharyngeal abscess. Eur J Pediatr. 173(3):381-6, 2014
- Nomura O et al: Comparison of patients with Kawasaki disease with retropharyngeal edema and patients with retropharyngeal abscess. Eur J Pediatr. 173(3):381-6, 2014
- Puhakka L et al: Retropharyngeal involvement in Kawasaki disease--a report of four patients with retropharyngeal edema verified by magnetic resonance imaging. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 78(10):1774-8, 2014
- Katsumata N et al: Characteristics of cervical computed tomography findings in kawasaki disease: a single-center experience. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 37(5):681-5, 2013
- Nurata H et al: Retropharyngeal hematoma secondary to whiplash injury in childhood: a case report. Turk Neurosurg. 22(4):521-3, 2012
- Paik NC et al: Tendinitis of longus colli: computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and clinical spectra of 9 cases. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 36(6):755-61, 2012
- Vollmann R et al: Pathways in the diagnosis of prevertebral tendinitis. Eur J Radiol. 81(1):114-7, 2012
- Hoang JK et al: Multiplanar CT and MRI of collections in the retropharyngeal space: is it an abscess? AJR Am J Roentgenol. 196(4):W426-32, 2011
- Jordan MT et al: Esophageal foreign body sensation: a rare presentation of angioedema. J Emerg Med. 39(2):174-7, 2010
- Langley EW et al: Retropharyngeal edema: an unusual manifestation of Kawasaki disease. J Emerg Med. 39(2):181-5, 2010
- Rizk NN et al: Case report: mediastinal hematoma secondary to hypertension, presenting as a retropharyngeal space abscess. Laryngoscope. 120 Suppl 4:S179, 2010
- Ellika SK et al: Acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli: an imaging diagnosis. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 37(2):121-4, 2008
- Spennato P et al: Retropharyngeal cerebrospinal fluid collection as a cause of postoperative dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy. Surg Neurol. 67(5):499-503; discussion 503, 2007
- Gelineck J et al: Retropharyngeal tendinitis: radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Acta Radiol. 47(8):806-9, 2006
- Anagnostara A et al: Traumatic retropharyngeal hematoma and prevertebral edema induced by whiplash injury. Emerg Radiol. 11(3):145-9, 2005
- Kurihara N et al: Edema in the retropharyngeal space associated with head and neck tumors: CT imaging characteristics. Neuroradiology. 47(8):609-15, 2005
- Vural C et al: Accuracy of computerized tomography in deep neck infections in the pediatric population. Am J Otolaryngol. 24(3):143-8, 2003
- Mihmanli I et al: Inflammation of vertebral bone associated with acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle. Neuroradiology. 43(12):1098-101, 2001
- Muñoz A et al: Acute neck infections: prospective comparison between CT and MRI in 47 patients. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 25(5):733-41, 2001
- Chong VF et al: Radiology of the retropharyngeal space. Clin Radiol. 55(10):740-8, 2000
- Altman KW et al: Angioedema presenting in the retropharyngeal space in an adult. Am J Otolaryngol. 20(2):136-8, 1999
- Boucher C et al: Retropharyngeal abscesses: a clinical and radiologic correlation. J Otolaryngol. 28(3):134-7, 1999
- Stone ME et al: Correlation between computed tomography and surgical findings in retropharyngeal inflammatory processes in children. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 49(2):121-5, 1999
- Eastwood JD et al: Retropharyngeal effusion in acute calcific prevertebral tendinitis: diagnosis with CT and MR imaging. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 19(9):1789-92, 1998
- De Maeseneer M et al: Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle. Head Neck. 19(6):545-8, 1997
- Plewa MC et al: Benign cervical prevertebral soft tissue swelling in traumatic asphyxia. J Trauma. 38(6):937-40, 1995
- Poe LB et al: Acute internal jugular vein thrombosis associated with pseudoabscess of the retropharyngeal space. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 16(4 Suppl):892-6, 1995
- Mukherji SK et al: Radiologic appearance of the irradiated larynx. Part I. Expected changes. Radiology. 193(1):141-8, 1994
- Ring D et al: Acute calcific retropharyngeal tendinitis. Clinical presentation and pathological characterization. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 76(11):1636-42, 1994
- Glasier CM et al: CT and ultrasound imaging of retropharyngeal abscesses in children. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 13(4):1191-5, 1992
- Davis WL et al: The normal and diseased infrahyoid retropharyngeal, danger, and prevertebral spaces. Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 12(3):241-56, 1991
- Davis WL et al: Retropharyngeal space: evaluation of normal anatomy and diseases with CT and MR imaging. Radiology. 174(1):59-64, 1990
- Artenian DJ et al: Acute neck pain due to tendonitis of the longus colli: CT and MRI findings. Neuroradiology. 31(2):166-9, 1989
- Myssiorek D et al: Traumatic retropharyngeal hematoma. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 115(9):1130-2, 1989
- Sneed WF et al: Retropharyngeal pseudomasses. South Med J. 77(4):528-30, 1984
- Hayden CK Jr et al: Retropharyngeal edema, airway obstruction, and caval thrombosis. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 138(4):757-8, 1982
- Weinberg S et al: Retropharyngeal tendinitis. Laryngoscope. 92(2):181-2, 1982
- Bryan CS et al: Retropharyngeal infection in adults. Arch Intern Med. 134(1):126-30, 1974
Related Anatomy
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References
Tables
Tables
KEY FACTS
Terminology
Imaging
Top Differential Diagnoses
Pathology
Clinical Issues
Diagnostic Checklist
TERMINOLOGY
Abbreviations
- Retropharyngeal space (RPS)
Synonyms
- Retropharyngeal effusion, benign retropharyngeal fluid
Definitions
- Accumulation of sterile fluid, effacing RPS fat
IMAGING
General Features
Radiographic Findings
CT Findings
MR Findings
Ultrasonographic Findings
Imaging Recommendations
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
PATHOLOGY
General Features
Microscopic Features
CLINICAL ISSUES
Presentation
Demographics
Natural History & Prognosis
Treatment
DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST
Consider
Image Interpretation Pearls
Reporting Tips
Selected References
- Aiken AH et al: Approach to masses in head and neck spaces. In: Diseases of the Brain, Head and Neck, Spine 2020–2023: Diagnostic Imaging. [Internet]. Hodler J et al, editors. Cham: Springer, 2020
- Lim S et al: Deep neck inflammation: probable Kawasaki disease in Korean children. Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol. 13(1):77-82, 2020
- Mnatsakanian A et al: Anatomy, Head and Neck, Retropharyngeal Space 2020 in StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020
- Appachi S et al: Spontaneous cervical chyle fistula: A case report. Am J Otolaryngol. 40(4):598-600, 2019
- Au DCY et al: Kawasaki disease with retropharyngeal edema: case series from a single center experience. Chin Med J (Engl). 132(14):1753-4, 2019
- Chapman SC et al: Lemierre's syndrome: an atypical presentation. Ann Vasc Surg. 60:479.e1-4, 2019
- Inagaki K et al: Deep neck space involvement of Kawasaki disease in the US: a population-based study. J Pediatr. 215:118-22, 2019
- Naik PP et al: Longus colli tendinitis: the lost twin of retropharyngeal abscess. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 71(Suppl 1):771-5, 2019
- Ratzon R et al: Thrombosis, anticoagulation and outcomes in malignant superior vena cava syndrome. J Thromb Thrombolysis. 47(1):121-8, 2019
- Bhatt AA: Non-traumatic causes of fluid in the retropharyngeal space. Emerg Radiol. 25(5):547-51, 2018
- Zimmerman S et al: Rapid Fire: Superior Vena Cava Syndrome. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 36(3):577-584, 2018
- Hsu CH et al: An unusual case of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis presenting with retropharyngeal edema. Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis. 133(5):355-356, 2016
- Al-Natour MS et al: Superior vena cava syndrome with retropharyngeal edema as a complication of ventriculoatrial shunt. Clin Case Rep. 3(10):777-80, 2015
- Nomura O et al: Comparison of patients with Kawasaki disease with retropharyngeal edema and patients with retropharyngeal abscess. Eur J Pediatr. 173(3):381-6, 2014
- Nomura O et al: Comparison of patients with Kawasaki disease with retropharyngeal edema and patients with retropharyngeal abscess. Eur J Pediatr. 173(3):381-6, 2014
- Puhakka L et al: Retropharyngeal involvement in Kawasaki disease--a report of four patients with retropharyngeal edema verified by magnetic resonance imaging. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 78(10):1774-8, 2014
- Katsumata N et al: Characteristics of cervical computed tomography findings in kawasaki disease: a single-center experience. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 37(5):681-5, 2013
- Nurata H et al: Retropharyngeal hematoma secondary to whiplash injury in childhood: a case report. Turk Neurosurg. 22(4):521-3, 2012
- Paik NC et al: Tendinitis of longus colli: computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and clinical spectra of 9 cases. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 36(6):755-61, 2012
- Vollmann R et al: Pathways in the diagnosis of prevertebral tendinitis. Eur J Radiol. 81(1):114-7, 2012
- Hoang JK et al: Multiplanar CT and MRI of collections in the retropharyngeal space: is it an abscess? AJR Am J Roentgenol. 196(4):W426-32, 2011
- Jordan MT et al: Esophageal foreign body sensation: a rare presentation of angioedema. J Emerg Med. 39(2):174-7, 2010
- Langley EW et al: Retropharyngeal edema: an unusual manifestation of Kawasaki disease. J Emerg Med. 39(2):181-5, 2010
- Rizk NN et al: Case report: mediastinal hematoma secondary to hypertension, presenting as a retropharyngeal space abscess. Laryngoscope. 120 Suppl 4:S179, 2010
- Ellika SK et al: Acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli: an imaging diagnosis. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 37(2):121-4, 2008
- Spennato P et al: Retropharyngeal cerebrospinal fluid collection as a cause of postoperative dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy. Surg Neurol. 67(5):499-503; discussion 503, 2007
- Gelineck J et al: Retropharyngeal tendinitis: radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Acta Radiol. 47(8):806-9, 2006
- Anagnostara A et al: Traumatic retropharyngeal hematoma and prevertebral edema induced by whiplash injury. Emerg Radiol. 11(3):145-9, 2005
- Kurihara N et al: Edema in the retropharyngeal space associated with head and neck tumors: CT imaging characteristics. Neuroradiology. 47(8):609-15, 2005
- Vural C et al: Accuracy of computerized tomography in deep neck infections in the pediatric population. Am J Otolaryngol. 24(3):143-8, 2003
- Mihmanli I et al: Inflammation of vertebral bone associated with acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle. Neuroradiology. 43(12):1098-101, 2001
- Muñoz A et al: Acute neck infections: prospective comparison between CT and MRI in 47 patients. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 25(5):733-41, 2001
- Chong VF et al: Radiology of the retropharyngeal space. Clin Radiol. 55(10):740-8, 2000
- Altman KW et al: Angioedema presenting in the retropharyngeal space in an adult. Am J Otolaryngol. 20(2):136-8, 1999
- Boucher C et al: Retropharyngeal abscesses: a clinical and radiologic correlation. J Otolaryngol. 28(3):134-7, 1999
- Stone ME et al: Correlation between computed tomography and surgical findings in retropharyngeal inflammatory processes in children. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 49(2):121-5, 1999
- Eastwood JD et al: Retropharyngeal effusion in acute calcific prevertebral tendinitis: diagnosis with CT and MR imaging. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 19(9):1789-92, 1998
- De Maeseneer M et al: Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle. Head Neck. 19(6):545-8, 1997
- Plewa MC et al: Benign cervical prevertebral soft tissue swelling in traumatic asphyxia. J Trauma. 38(6):937-40, 1995
- Poe LB et al: Acute internal jugular vein thrombosis associated with pseudoabscess of the retropharyngeal space. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 16(4 Suppl):892-6, 1995
- Mukherji SK et al: Radiologic appearance of the irradiated larynx. Part I. Expected changes. Radiology. 193(1):141-8, 1994
- Ring D et al: Acute calcific retropharyngeal tendinitis. Clinical presentation and pathological characterization. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 76(11):1636-42, 1994
- Glasier CM et al: CT and ultrasound imaging of retropharyngeal abscesses in children. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 13(4):1191-5, 1992
- Davis WL et al: The normal and diseased infrahyoid retropharyngeal, danger, and prevertebral spaces. Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 12(3):241-56, 1991
- Davis WL et al: Retropharyngeal space: evaluation of normal anatomy and diseases with CT and MR imaging. Radiology. 174(1):59-64, 1990
- Artenian DJ et al: Acute neck pain due to tendonitis of the longus colli: CT and MRI findings. Neuroradiology. 31(2):166-9, 1989
- Myssiorek D et al: Traumatic retropharyngeal hematoma. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 115(9):1130-2, 1989
- Sneed WF et al: Retropharyngeal pseudomasses. South Med J. 77(4):528-30, 1984
- Hayden CK Jr et al: Retropharyngeal edema, airway obstruction, and caval thrombosis. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 138(4):757-8, 1982
- Weinberg S et al: Retropharyngeal tendinitis. Laryngoscope. 92(2):181-2, 1982
- Bryan CS et al: Retropharyngeal infection in adults. Arch Intern Med. 134(1):126-30, 1974
