Retropharyngeal abscess.

Two cases of retropharyngeal abscess are presented. The first case, that of a 4-year-old boy, was classical, diagnosed early, and treated with prompt incision and drainage. The second case was that of a 51-year-old man who developed complete upper airway obstruction, pneumothorax, and congestive heart failure prior to surgical drainage. These cases are presented to remind emergency physicians of this formidable entity and of the need for constant vigil in the management of this life-threatening pre-antibiotic relic.