Danger Space

 Q: What is "Danger Space" in the anatomy of the head and neck? 

Answer: Going from vertebra to pharyngeal area (posterior to anterior), there are three spaces:

1. Prevertebral space

2. Danger space

3. Retropharnygeal space

Danger Space extends from the base of the skull downwards freely through the entire posterior mediastinum to the level of the diaphragm. Vertebrally it corresponds with T11-T12. 

Clinical significance: Potentially, it provides a very functional route for the contiguous spread between the neck and the chest.

#ID

#anatomy

References: 

1. Reynolds SC, Chow AW (2009). "Severe soft tissue infections of the head and neck: a primer for critical care physicians". Lung. 187 (5): 271–9. doi:10.1007/s00408-009-9153-7. PMID 19653038. 

2. Mark, R., Song, S., & Mark, P. (2018). Taking heed of the 'danger space': acute descending necrotising mediastinitis secondary to primary odontogenic infection. BMJ case reports, 2018, bcr2018225019. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2018-225019 

3. Grodinsky M, Holyoke EA. The fasciae and fascial spaces of the head, neck and adjacent regions. Am J Anat 1938;63:367-408.