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A computed tomography (CT) scan is the definitive diagnostic imaging test. [4] X-ray of the neck often (80% of the time) shows swelling of the retropharyngeal space in affected individuals. If the retropharyngeal space is more than half of the size of the C2 vertebra, it may indicate retropharyngeal abscess. [5]
Superiorly, the retropharyngeal space terminates at the base of the skull (more specifically, at the clivus [2]). [1] [5] Inferiorly, the true RPS terminates at a variable level along the upper thoracic spine with the fusion of alar fascia and visceral fascia; [1] sources either give the inferior termination of the true RPS as occurring at approximately the vertebral level of T4 [2] or at a ...
It is attached to the prevertebral fascia by loose connective tissue, with the retropharyngeal space found between them. [citation needed] It may also be attached to the alar fascia posteriorly at C3 and C6 levels. [5]
Adenoid hypertrophy is an immunological abnormality characterized by altered cytokine production, with children experiencing higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Adenoid hypertrophy can also be caused by gastric juice exposure during gastroesophageal reflux disease , passive smoking, and recurrent bacterial and viral infections.
On plain radiography, prevertebral space should be less than 6 mm at C3 vertebral level in children; while in adults, the space should be less than 6 mm at C2 level and less than 22 mm at C6 level. Causes of enlarged prevertebral space could be edema, hematoma, abscess, tumors, and post surgical changes. [5]
The retropharyngeal lymph nodes, from one to three in number, lie in the buccopharyngeal fascia, behind the upper part of the pharynx and in front of the arch of the atlas, being separated, however, from the latter by the longus capitis. Their afferents drain the nasal cavities, the nasal part of the pharynx, and the auditory tubes.
The danger space or alar space, is a region of the neck. [1] The common name originates from the risk that an infection in this space can spread directly to the thorax , and, due to being a space continuous on the left and right, can furthermore allow infection to spread easily to either side.
The retrovisceral space is divided into the retropharyngeal space and the danger space by the alar fascia. It is of particular clinical importance because it is a main route by which oropharyngeal infections can spread into the mediastinum. Some sources say the retrovisceral space is the same as the retropharyngeal space. [1]