IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Left mandible abscess

Case contributed by Steve Lau
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Presents with trismus secondary to large left submandibular swelling. CT scan requested as significant trismus preventing examination of floor of mouth by treating team.

Patient Data

Age: 30
Gender: Male

Soft tissue neck

ct

CT neck demonstrates a fluid collection within the medullary cavity underlying teeth 37 and 38. There is an abscess in the left submandibular space extending into the parapharyngeal space causing marked mass effect on the oropharynx and to a lesser extent the nasopharynx. The collection also extends inferiorly deep to the hyoid bone into the paraglottic space causing mass effect on the epiglottis and effacement of piriform sinus.

Case Discussion

The patient was managed with intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage of left mandibular abscess. Wound swabs cultured mixed anaerobes and coagulase negative staphylococci.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.