Point-of-care ultrasound-guided aspiration of a parapharyngeal abscess to facilitate airway management: A case report

Figure 1  70° endoscopic view of the oropharynx demonstrating a prominent posterior pharyngeal wall bulge with mucosal edema, and non-visualisation of the glottic opening.

Figure 2 Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the neck. A and B: Sagittal (A) and axial (B) images demonstrating a multiloculated parapharyngeal abscess (▲) with extension into the prevertebral and carotid spaces, causing significant narrowing of the oropharyngeal lumen.

Figure 3  Ultrasound image of the right side of the neck showing a well-defined anechoic collection lateral to the carotid vessels with posterolateral extension, consistent with a parapharyngeal abscess.

Figure 4  Video-laryngoscopic view obtained after ultrasound-guided aspiration, demonstrating a Cormack-Lehane grade 1 glottic view.