OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical character, diagnosis and treatment of badly necrotic pyogenic infection in cervical part with pneumatosis of vomica.

METHODSThe clinical character, diagnosis and treatment of badly necrotic pyogenic infection in cervical part with pneumatosis of vomica of 46 cases were investigated retrospectively.

RESULTSLateral and bilateral neck infection cases were 38 and 8 respectively. 30 cases formed primary pyogenic infection in cervical part with pneumatosis of vomica, and 16 did from adjacent sites. Besides the characters of the acute infection, gas storage in deep cervical part abscess was notable. CT and B Ultrasonic examination provided useful informations such as sizes, shapes, capacity, extents of abscess and the relationship between the abscess and vessel or vital organ. Diagnosis puncture and germiculture were performed before and after operation. The results showed that 25 of 46 cases were infected by staphylococcus or streptococcus, and 21 cases did by other bacterium. Exploration and drainage treatments were performed. All cases were cured except 2 died.

CONCLUSIONDiagnostic puncture, CT and/or B Ultrasonic examination are essential for diagnosis and presurgical planning. Germiculture provides reliable evidence for finding pathogeny and therapy. The most possibilities of pyogenic infection with pneumatosis of vomica in cervical part are the action of aerogenic bacterium, infection both in cervical part and chest or swallowing movement of pharynx.