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Limitations of imaging for foreign bodies in parapharyngeal abscess and the importance of surgical exploration

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

U. F. Coales*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, St George's Hospital, London, UK
P. Tandon
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, St George's Hospital, London, UK
A. E. Hinton
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, St George's Hospital, London, UK
*
Address for correspondence: U. F. Coales, F.R.C.S. (Ed.), ENT Department, St George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London SW17 0QT

Abstract

A rare cause of parapharyngeal abscess in association with a wooden skewer is presented. Despite the use of both ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scanning as diagnostic tools, the foreign body could not be identified. Only through a meticulous exploration of the neck was the foreign body located. The importance of surgical exploration even with negative imaging is discussed.

Type
Radiology in Focus
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1999

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