Migrating fish bone complicating a deep neck abscess.

Abstract

Deep neck infections are not uncommon; however, a migrating fish bone is seldom a cause of a deep neck abscess. Fish bones are a sharp foreign body and can penetrate the oropharynx or esophagus. However, this rarely occurs. We report a case of deep neck abscess resulting from the intracorporeal migration of a fish bone. Initial radiography and esophagoscopy of the neck were both negative; migration of the bone was ultimately documented by computed tomography. Surgical exploration was performed via a lateral neck incision, and the fish bone was successfully retrieved. Although fish bones are a rare etiology of deep neck abscesses, should be kept in mind when a patient has the history of fish bone ingestion.