retropharyngeal
- adjective
- /ˌrɛtroʊˈfærɪnˌdʒiəl/
- Specialized
- Retropharyngeal abscess, once a relatively common entity in children, is uncommon today.
- retropharyngeal abscess
- retropharyngeal hemorrhage
- retropharyngeal space
Examples
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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
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.