Deep neck space infection – A retrospective study of 270 cases at tertiary care center

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical findings in deep neck infections and identification predisposing factors of these complications. METHODS: In this study, 270 patients with deep neck infections were studied retrospectively, study conducted in the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Dr. Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College, Nanded, Maharashtra, India, from March 2013 to March 2016. RESULTS: Analysis showed that males are most likely to have deep neck space infections (DNSI). Odontogenic and tonsillar causes were the more frequent ones. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species were the microorganisms more commonly isolated. CONCLUSION: DNSI remains a common and challenging disease for otorhinolaryngologists, and should be treated on emergency basis. In developing countries, lack of adequate nutrition, poor oral hygiene, tobacco chewing, smoking and beetle nut chewing has led to an increased prevalence of dental and periodontal diseases. In present study, Odontogenic infections were the most common etiological factor for DNSI.