An Unusual Case of Neonatal Stridor

A25-day baby neonate presented with fever and stridor. He had severe respiratory distress at admission. The systemic examination was unremarkable. The roentgenogram of soft tissues of neck revealed widening of superior mediastinum. Computed tomography of neck and upper chest revealed multiple abscesses in the retropharyngeal space, parapharyngeal space, and superior mediastinum. The child improved on aggressive antibiotic treatment protocol. It raises awareness among paediatricians to consider this diagnosis when confronting neonate with fever and stridor. An early diagnosis and aggressive appropriate management will reduce mortality and morbidity associated with this life-threatening condition. A thorough search for a primary source of infection should be done. Neonate should be screened for primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders before discharge. (author)