Diagnosis and treatment of the retropharyngeal abscess in adults.

While the retropharyngeal space abscess is an extremely rare entity that may arise from odontogenic infections, its potential complications may be fatal. When infection of the retropharyngeal space occurs, urgent surgical and antibiotic therapy is required. A review of the anatomy, symptoms, treatment, diagnostic methods and complications is provided. As well, the successful treatment of a multispace odontogenic infection is discussed as a reminder that the retropharyngeal abscess does exist.