FATAL HEMORRHAGE RESULTING FROM THE EXTENSION OF A RETROPHARYNGEAL ABSCESS TO THE DEEP VESSELS OF THE NECK

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Abstract
Erosion and perforation of the important blood vessels of the neck, as the result of extension to their coats of suppuration from surrounding tissues, are comparatively rare. A limited number of cases of fatal or very serious hemorrhage occurring in this way from the extension of deep cervical abscesses, especially those following scarlatina, have been recorded. In the present report I shall refer only to fatal or serious hemorrhage occurring as a complication of retropharyngeal abscess by the involvement of the deep cervical vessels, especially the internal carotid artery and the jugular vein. Although the number of cases reported is limited, the possibility of hemorrhage should always be borne in mind, because in such an event nothing but the most prompt intervention will save the patient's life. Moreover, a consideration of the clinical cases as well as of the anatomic conditions, which might almost be said to predispose to

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