Severe Sore Throat and Painful Swallowing

Severe Sore Throat and Painful Swallowing

A 42-year-old man presented to the emergency department with severe sore throat and painful swallowing. He was running a fever of 39°C, and physical examination revealed a rigid neck and inflammatory change of the oropharyngeal mucosa. A lateral radiograph of the neck was performed for further evaluation.

What abnormalities are seen on this radiograph and what’s the diagnosis ?