Diphtheria "bull neck"

Diagnosis: Diphtheria "bull neck"

This child with diphtheria presented with a characteristic swollen neck, sometimes referred to as “bull neck”. Diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease involving primarily the tonsils, pharynx, larynx, nose, skin, and at times other mucous membranes. The mucosal lesion is marked by a patch or patches of an adherent grayish membrane with a surrounding inflammation. Provided by the CDC

Clinical Presentation

This child with diphtheria presented with a characteristic swollen neck, sometimes referred to as “bull neck”. Diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease involving primarily the tonsils, pharynx, larynx, nose, skin, and at times other mucous membranes. The mucosal lesion is marked by a patch or patches of an adherent grayish membrane with a surrounding inflammation. Provided by the CDC

Clinical History

Submitted by dermRounds Dermatology Network. Originally posted August 5, 2008.

Treatment

See case discussion.

Tags: diphtheria, quotbull, neckquot, dermrounds dermatology network