Fascial layers of the deep cervical fascia (DCF) delineate neck spaces that communicate with each other.

In this case, fluid collections originating from a primary infective source and then involving multiple neck spaces are detectable; the way of infection spreading followed DCF layers distribution: there is anterior spread from the submandibular space to the anterior cervical space and to the supraclavicular fossa. There is posterior spread from the retropharyngeal space to the danger space and to the upper mediastinum.