Shenoy Rathika D, Nair Sajitha, Kamath Nutan
Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical College (KMC) Hospital Attavar, Attavar, Mangalore 575001, Karnataka, India.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2005 Aug;69(8):1113-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2005.02.012. Epub 2005 Mar 21.
Symptomatic hyponatremia due to syndrome of inappropriate secretion of anti-diuretic hormone (SIADH) in infancy is seen usually with pneumonia and meningitis and its association with deep neck abscess is not documented. Recognition and appropriate management of this complication is important to prevent mortality and long-term neurological morbidity. We report a 3-month-old infant with parapharyngeal abscess presenting with altered sensorium and recurrent seizures as a result of hyponatremia due to SIADH. The clinical course and outcome is described. Limitation of imaging modalities in an infant with airway compromise is discussed.