Retropharyngeal emphysema following adenoidectomy: a case report and review of literature.

Retropharyngeal infection and emphysema are rare clinical entities, with only eight reported cases in the literature. One of the uncommon risk factors is a recent history of adenotonsillectomy, which may be associated with an increased risk of retropharyngeal infection. Thereby, we report a case of a 2-year-old female who presented with a high-grade fever and neck stiffness following adenotonsillectomy. Neck X-ray and computed tomography scan of the neck confirmed the diagnosis of retropharyngeal infection with emphysema. The patient was effectively managed with an intravenous course of dual broad-spectrum antibiotics. Early identification and prompt management are essential to avoid serious complications. The current case demonstrates a rare complication with a delayed onset compared to the previously reported cases, and it further emphasizes the importance of the high index of clinical suspicion to diagnose and promptly manage similar cases.