Atypical Retropharyngeal Abscess of Tuberculosis: Diagnostic Reasoning, Management, and Treatment

Retropharyngeal abscess caused by tuberculosis (TB) is an unusual life-threatening disease. We present the case of a patient, mainly complaining about dysphagia, cephalalgia, and neck pain. History, examination, and laboratory data were inconclusive. Diagnostic imaging revealed retropharyngeal abscess with atypical characteristics. Aspiration through the pharynx was performed. The aspirated fluid sent for microscopic examination by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) gene probe, revealed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Subsequently, the patient was treated with a standard nine-month anti-TB chemotherapy. The combination of fine-needle aspiration and antitubercular agents was successful. The aim of the present study is to inform the importance of early diagnosis with targeted therapy.