International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Extra
Volume 1, Issue 3 , Pages 185-187, September 2006

Masticator space abscess in a 21-month-old child

  • Robert Steelman

      Affiliations

    • Pediatric Critical Care Medicine & Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Oregan Health; Science University, Portland, OR, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence to OHSU, MS: CDRC-P, 707 SW Gaines Road Portland, OR 97239, United States. Tel.: +503.494.5522
    • ,
  • Henry Milczuk

      Affiliations

    • Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Oregan Health; Science University, Portland, OR, USA
    • ,
  • Anna Grosz

      Affiliations

    • Resident, Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery Oregon Health & Science University Portland, Oregan Health; Science University, Portland, OR, USA

Received 20 January 2006; received in revised form 12 April 2006; accepted 17 April 2006.

Summary 

A 21-month-old male presented with fever, dehydration and severe trismus. A computerized tomogram of the head and neck was obtained that showed inflammatory stranding involving the right pterygoid, masseter and parotid spaces as well as fluid collection within the right pterygoid (masticator) space. Intraoral drainage was successful. S. Aureus was identified on culture from the drainage site. No apparent focus of infection was identified. Appropriate antibiotics were given and the patient recovered. It is postulated that an ascending infection from the oral cavity to the parotid gland with subsequent involvement of the right masticator space occurred.

Keywords: Trismus, Masticator space abscess, Child

 

PII: S1871-4048(06)00047-5

doi:10.1016/j.pedex.2006.04.003

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Extra
Volume 1, Issue 3 , Pages 185-187, September 2006

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