The objective of this study was to clarify the presentation, associated preceding illness, pathologic organisms, treatment and outcome of deep neck abscess in children according to age and location.

We retrospectively reviewed the in-patient charts of children treated at our hospital for deep neck abscess. Thirty-five such patients were identified as having been treated from March 1990 to December 2005.

A total of 35 were enrolled in our study: 25 boys and 10 girls. Their ages ranged from 11 months to 15 years. Presenting symptoms included mass, fever, irritability, trismus and dysphagia. The most commonly known associated preceding illness was viral upper respiratory infection (53%). The most common site of infection was the submandibular space (37%). Bacteria was identified in 16 patients. The most common pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus . Thirteen (37%) children recovered from the infection with conservative treatment and twenty-four (68%) children received surgical drainage. The duration of hospitalization was longer in the group who underwent surgery than in the group who were managed with conservative treatment. No complication occurred.

Unexplained torticollis, trismus or irritability in children were suggestive of deep neck abscess. Our results demonstrate that deep neck abscesses in children is respond well to conservative treatment if diagnosed early.