RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Review of the diagnostic and management of retropharyngeal and lateral pharyngeal abscesses in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 5 children's cases hospitalized during year 2003. RESULTS: Diagnosis included CT scan which is often helpful to differentiate cellulitis from abscesses. First medical management consists in an intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics. Surgical drainage may be considered in cases of failure or clinical aggravation. Closed observation is mandatory in all cases to prevent major complication. CONCLUSION: Retropharyngeal and lateral pharyngeal abscesses in children are life-threatening infectious. Therapeutic consists in intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics associated, if necessary, with surgical drainage in cases of persistent abscess.