Internal carotid artery thrombosis and Horner's syndrome as complications of parapharyngeal abscess

Abstract

Deep neck infections and abscesses may still occur despite the widespread use of antibiotics. Approximately 50% of deep neck infections occur in the lateral pharyngeal space, which offers minimal resistance to infection. Complications of parapharyngeal abscesses—such as jugular thrombophlebitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, mediastinitis, and hemorrhage from the carotid artery—are well known to otolaryngologists and can be life threatening. 1 Surgical intervention is often required to manage these infections, but 10% to 15% of all the patients with lateral pharyngeal space infections can be treated with medicine alone. 2