Anatomy

• Location
  • Enclosed by the visceral division of the middle layer of the deep cervical fascia and lies immediately anterior to the trachea
  • Extends from the thyroid cartilage to the superior mediastinum
• Anatomic Communication
  • Perforation of the anterior esophageal wall by endoscopic instrumentation, foreign bodies, or trauma may result in abscess in pretracheal space

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Clinical Manifestations

• Dysphagia/Odynophagia (see Dysphagia)
• Pain
• Fever
• Hoarseness (see Hoarseness)
• Upper Airway Obstruction (see Obstructive Lung Disease)

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Treatment

• See Deep Neck Infection

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References

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