Abstract

TEIXEIRA, Joana et al. When Bacterial Tracheitis Complicates.... Nascer e Crescer [online]. 2015, vol.24, n.4, pp.166-170. ISSN 0872-0754.

Introduction:  Viral croup is the most common cause of stridor in children seen at emergency room. In the absence of response to treatment with corticosteroids and nebulized adrenaline, bacterial tracheitis should be considered. Case Report: A six year-old child, was admitted in emergency room with stridor, respiratory distress and fever, with partial response to therapy with nebulized epinephrine. Ceftriaxone was prescribed for suspected bacterial laryngotracheobronchitis. Despite therapy, developed cervical cellulitis with progression to retropharyngeal abscess and mediastinitis. Good outcome after therapy with ceftriaxone, clindamycin and vancomycin. Discussion/Conclusion: The authors describe an original case of a bacterial tracheitis complicated with retropharyngeal abcess and mediastinitis, emphasizing that bacterial tracheitis is potentially life threatening, requiring a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis.

Keywords : stridor; laryngotracheobronchitis; tracheitis; cellulitis; retropharyngeal abscess; mediastinitis.

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