Acute Phlegmonous Esophagitis as a Complication of Retropharyngeal Abscess

Phlegmon refers to a spreading diffuse inflammation of connective tissue with formation of an exudate or pus. Phlegmonous infections may affect any region of the gastrointestinal tract. The stomach is the region most frequently involved; infections at other sites have been but rarely reported. Acute phlegmonous esophagitis is a very rare disease involving both the submucosal and muscular layers of the esophagus, with sparing of the mucosal layer. Acute esophageal esophagitis is commonly associated with acute phlegmonous gastritis; any association with a deep neck infection is very rare. We report herein a case of acute phlegmonous esophagitis developing as a complication of a retropharyngeal abscess treated via incision and drainage and prescription of longterm antibiotics. Thus, we did not perform esophageal surgery. We also review the relevant literature. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2018;29:119-122)