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Neck Infection — Complications — Clinical Pathway: Emergency

Deep Neck Space Infection Clinical Pathway — Emergency Department

Complications of Deep Neck Space Infections

Complication Clinical Presentation
Airway Obstruction
  • Respiratory distress
  • Stridor
  • Tripoding/sniffing position
  • Voice changes
Sepsis
  • Hemodynamic changes (persistent tachycardia, hypotension)
  • Poor perfusion
  • Evaluate for end-organ dysfunction
Mediastinitis
  • Usually involves the posterior mediastinum
  • May cause high fevers and/or shortness of breath
Necrotizing Cervical Fasciitis
  • Spread of infection along fascial planes
  • Patients are ill appearing with high fevers
  • Skin changes including edema, erythema, tenderness, and crepitation may be present

 

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