Prevertebral abscess and airway obstruction

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine revealed prevertebral collection from C2 to C5, causing airway compression [Figure 1]a,[Figure 1]b,[Figure 1]c. Spinal cord compression was seen at C3–C6 level. {Figure 1} In the operation theater, standard monitoring was connected and the patient was continued in the propped-up position with oxygen 2 L/min via a nasal cannula. The choice of a smaller size tube was based on the airway dimension that we measured on axial MRI images due to tracheal compression from the abscess.