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retropharyngeal

retropharyngeal

1 9.9
Lies behind the throat near the back of the mouth and upper neck
  • adjective
  • /ˌrɛtroʊˈfærɪnˌdʒiəl/
  • Specialized
: retrofaringeo
  • Retropharyngeal abscess, once a relatively common entity in children, is uncommon today.
  • retropharyngeal abscess
  • retropharyngeal hemorrhage
  • retropharyngeal space

Examples

  • Another route of spread is through the retropharyngeal or prevertebral space to the posterior mediastinum.

    Academic text (2010)
  • A hypodense lesion in the retropharyngeal space with peripheral ring enhancement makes the diagnosis.

    Academic text (1995)
  • A finger-like projection into the retropharyngeal space is visible.

    Academic text (2010)
  • The first reported case of retropharyngeal hemorrhage was published by Capps in 1934.

    Academic text (2006)
  • In this case, the diverticulum was observed 2 years after surgical management of a retropharyngeal abscess.

    Academic text (2008)
  • In rare cases, it has occurred as a result of an infectious process in the subcutaneous space, such as a retropharyngeal abscess.

    Academic text (2006)
  • A retropharyngeal abscess was noted and was treated with streptomycin injections for one week with no improvement.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Airway obstruction can be life-threatening, and it is seen with massive or retropharyngeal air infiltration.

    Academic text (2006)
  • We present a case of spontaneous retropharyngeal hemorrhage in which the "sentinel clot" sign enabled us to identify the lesion of origin.

    Academic text (2006)
  • The doctor explained that a retropharyngeal abscess can cause severe throat pain and difficulty swallowing.

Surface Forms

retropharyngeal positive

Morphology

retropharyngeal = pharyngeal (semi-transparent) = retro + pharynx + eal

Formed by the prefix 'retro-' meaning 'behind' added to the adjective 'pharyngeal'; the medical components are literal but technical, so may not be fully transparent to average learners.

Etymology

The word retropharyngeal breaks into retro- meaning 'behind' and pharynx meaning 'throat', so it means 'behind the throat'. That's why a retropharyngeal problem is something that sits at the back of the throat and can make breathing or swallowing difficult.