The objective of this study is to describe the clinical and therapeutic particularities of cervical adenophlegmons in diabetic patients.

Retrospective study of diabetic patients consulting ENT emergencies for cervical adenophlegmon (2020–2024).

Seventy-two patients (54 women and 18 men) were included in our study. The average age was 38.5 years with extremes ranging from 3 years to 60 years. The notion of type 2 diabetes was found in 88% of cases. The main portal of entry was dental (50%). The main symptoms were high laterocervical inflammatory swelling (100%) and fever (58%). Twenty-five per cent of patients had torticollis. Hospitalization was indicated in 50% of cases. For these severe forms requiring hospitalization, the infection was associated in 89% of cases with hyperglycemia and complicated by ketosis in 10% cases and ketoacidosis in 5% cases. Emergency management was based on broad-spectrum parenteral antibiotic therapy with insulin therapy and drainage of the collection in the operating room in 40% of cases.

Adenophlegmon, a rare but serious complication of soft tissue infection of the neck, may be of particular concern in diabetic patients. Our results highlight a correlation with glycemic imbalance, which worsens the clinical presentation. It is crucial to initiate early treatment, based on insulin therapy, rehydration, antibiotic therapy and drainage.