Abscess of the Tongue Evolution and Treatment of an Emergency

The Authors present a rare case of abscess of the tongue in a 86-years-old man suffering of severe odynophagia and dysfagia, increased snoring and tongue swelling for 15 days. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan (CT scan) of the neck was performed disclosing a 4.2 x 3.2 x 3.8 cm sized abscess at the 2/3 posterior of the body of the tongue. Due the general conditions of the patient needle aspiration through the oral route was made consecutively for three days. The patient experienced considerable amelioration of the symptoms. A CT scan of the neck in the 5th day after the conservative treatment revealed an initial extension of the abscess into the hypo-pharyngeal space. General anaesthesia and endotracheal intubation were required. Incision and drainage of the abscesses were performed using diode laser. Tracheotomy was necessary. Complete regression of the symptoms was experienced after 10 days.