parapharyngeal abscess /per′əfərin″jē·əl/ [Gk, para + pharynx, throat; L, abscedere, to go away] , a suppurative infection of tissues adjacent to the pharynx, usually a complication of acute pharyngitis or tonsillitis. Infection may spread to the jugular vein, where it may cause thrombophlebitis and septic emboli. Systemic antibiotics and surgical drainage may be required. Also called parapharyngeal space abscess. Compare peritonsillar abscess, retropharyngeal abscess. See also tonsillitis.
