Deep Neck Inflammation: Probable Kawasaki Disease in Korean Children
- Author:
Sooyeon LIM
1
;
Na Young LEE
;
Seung Beom HAN
;
Dae Chul JEONG
;
Jin Han KANG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2020;13(1):77-82
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:. Deep neck infections (DNIs) can cause life-threatening complications, and prompt diagnosis and management are necessary. Kawasaki disease (KD) may be accompanied by deep neck inflammation; making it difficult to distinguish from DNIs. This study was performed to evaluate clinical features and outcomes of children with parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal inflammation.
Methods:. Medical records of the children diagnosed with parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal cellulitis or abscess using cervical computed tomography (CT) between 2013 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.
Results:. A total of 47 children were diagnosed with parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal inflammation. Eleven (23.4%) of them were eventually diagnosed with KD, and 36 (76.6%) were diagnosed with DNIs. There were no significantly different clinical and laboratory characteristics on admission between children diagnosed with KD and DNIs; however, significantly more children with KD were febrile for ≥3 days after admission compared to those with DNIs (P=0.009). Deep neck abscesses on CT were observed in 16 children with DNIs (44.4%) and in no child with KD (P=0.009). Among the 36 children with DNIs, 30 (83.3%) were cured with antibiotic therapy only.
Conclusion:. A quarter of children presenting with deep neck inflammation were diagnosed with KD. KD should be considered in children showing deep neck inflammation unresponsive to empirical antibiotic therapy after 3 days, especially in those presenting with deep neck cellulitis rather than deep neck abscess.
