Question:
Regarding acute retropharyngeal abscess, which of the following is NOT true?
Regarding acute retropharyngeal abscess, which of the following is NOT true?
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Acute form is in infants/children; the chronic (TB spine) form is the adult type.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Due to lymphadenitis
- Common in adults
- Swelling on one side of midline
- Incision and drainage
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: The retropharyngeal space lies behind the pharynx, between the buccopharyngeal fascia covering the constrictor muscles in front and the prevertebral fascia behind. An acute abscess here behaves differently with age.
Step 2: Acute retropharyngeal abscess is commonly seen in infants and children below 3 years of age, not in adults. It typically follows suppuration of the retropharyngeal lymph nodes (lymph nodes of Henle) after an upper respiratory tract infection. Therefore the statement common in adults is false, making option (b) the answer to this NOT true question.
Step 3: Because the retropharyngeal nodes lie on either side of the midline, the acute abscess produces a smooth bulge on one side of the posterior pharyngeal wall, so option (c) is true. The cause being lymphadenitis is also true, so option (a) is true.
Step 4: Treatment is incision and drainage, so option (d) is true. The acute form in adults is rare; chronic retropharyngeal abscess (from tuberculosis of the cervical spine) is the form seen in adults.
Step 2: Acute retropharyngeal abscess is commonly seen in infants and children below 3 years of age, not in adults. It typically follows suppuration of the retropharyngeal lymph nodes (lymph nodes of Henle) after an upper respiratory tract infection. Therefore the statement common in adults is false, making option (b) the answer to this NOT true question.
Step 3: Because the retropharyngeal nodes lie on either side of the midline, the acute abscess produces a smooth bulge on one side of the posterior pharyngeal wall, so option (c) is true. The cause being lymphadenitis is also true, so option (a) is true.
Step 4: Treatment is incision and drainage, so option (d) is true. The acute form in adults is rare; chronic retropharyngeal abscess (from tuberculosis of the cervical spine) is the form seen in adults.
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