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Infect Drug Resist 2022 31;15:2763-2771. Epub 2022 May 31.

Department of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Aichi Medical University Hospital, Nagakute, Aichi, 480-1195, Japan.

Although is a commensal microorganism of the oral cavity, it may sometimes cause severe systemic infections. We report a case of Lemierre syndrome (LS), which developed after infection, in a 73-year-old Japanese woman who was admitted to the hospital for throat pain, neck swelling, and fever for 3 days. She had a 3-month history of neglected dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2022 Jun 6;15(6). Epub 2022 Jun 6.

Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ENT), AIIMS, Raipur, CG, India

Peritonsillar abscess is a common presentation of complicated acute tonsillitis. The temporomandibular joint septic arthritis is an uncommon clinical entity while its complications are further rare. We present a case of a man in his late 30s who presented with a painful swelling in the left preauricular region along with increasing trismus. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2022 May 27;101(21):e29469. Epub 2022 May 27.

Department of Emergency and Internal Medicine, Saitama Citizens Medical Center, Saitama, Japan.

Rationale: Since late 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had rapidly spread worldwide, resulting in a pandemic. Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have difficulty in visiting clinics in person during pandemic because they might be encouraged to quarantine at home with supportive care. Peritonsillar abscess rarely coexists with COVID-19; however, patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection could get co-infections or become superinfected with other microorganisms which could cause peritonsillar abscess. Read More

Laryngorhinootologie 2022 May 23. Epub 2022 May 23.

Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Klinik, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.

Objective: In addition to an empirical use of antibiotics for treatment of a peritonsillar abscess (PTA) there is a drainage of pus or the abscess tonsillectomy. Postoperative bleeding after abscesstonsillectomy (ABTE) is this surgery's most feared complication which can rarely lead to patients' deaths. The objective of this study was to compare bleeding complications of ABTE with and without contralateral tonsillectomy (TE) and to analyze the occurrence of a metachronous PTA at the contralateral side. Read More

J Emerg Med 2022 May 10. Epub 2022 May 10.

Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

Background: Peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs) are encountered routinely in clinical practice. Ultrasound-guided aspiration has been proven both safe and effective in treating this condition. However, to date, there are no easily produced, low-cost models that enable the practice of point-of-care ultrasound-guided PTA aspiration and PTA diagnosis. Read More

Dis Mon 2022 Apr 27:101390. Epub 2022 Apr 27.

From the Departments of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery and Pediatrics, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 1077 Rydal Road, Suite 201, 19046 Rydal, PA, USA.

Cureus 2022 Mar 18;14(3):e23300. Epub 2022 Mar 18.

Emergency Medicine, Kingman Regional Medical Center, Kingman, USA.

Background Peritonsillar abscesses (PTA) are the most common deep space infection of the head and neck. They appear to have an association with a patient's smoking history but data showing this relationship is sparse and controversial. Currently, no data on this association exists for those who seek care at a rural community emergency department (ED). Read More

Cureus 2022 Feb 16;14(2):e22271. Epub 2022 Feb 16.

Internal Medicine, Comprehensive Care Group of South Florida, Plantation, USA.

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a common deep tissue infection of the head and neck. In the literature, most cases demonstrate PTA following acute tonsillitis; however, less documented are cases arising in post-tonsillectomy patients. Here, we report a 45-year-old woman with a history of tonsillectomy 16 years prior, who presented to the emergency department with signs and symptoms consistent with PTA, including sore throat and the presence of a right-sided abscess in the posterolateral oropharynx with apparent pus. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2022 05 17;279(5):2713-2716. Epub 2022 Mar 17.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, 528400, Guangdong, China.

Cureus 2022 Jan 28;14(1):e21701. Epub 2022 Jan 28.

Pediatrics, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, Tucson, USA.

Although peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs) are a common presentation in pediatric patients, there are very few reports on a pediatric patient with both a PTA and uvular hydrops. Our patient presented to the emergency room after being unsuccessfully treated for pharyngitis, with odynophagia, dyspnea, muffled voice, drooling, and trismus. On physical examination, we observed a PTA as well as an edematous and erythematous uvula. Read More

Cureus 2022 Jan 17;14(1):e21349. Epub 2022 Jan 17.

Department of Emergency Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, IND.

A 19-year-old male presented with a history of pulsatile tinnitus on the left side after he underwent drainage for a tonsillar swelling. He had noticed a painless neck swelling one month ago that was associated with difficulty in swallowing. His physician had made a diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess, and drainage had been performed. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2022 May 15;279(5):2245-2257. Epub 2022 Feb 15.

1st Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Kiriakidi 1, 546 21, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Objectives: Peritonsillar abscess is a common complication of acute tonsillitis. However, no consensus has been reached yet on the optimal treatment of this condition. Therefore, this study aimed to compare clinical outcomes of immediate and interval abscess tonsillectomy. Read More

Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2022 Jan;57(1):62-64

Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China.

Am J Emerg Med 2021 Dec 25;50:739-743. Epub 2021 Sep 25.

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA.

Objective: The goal of this study was to determine if computed tomography (CT) added any clinical information that was incorporated into the decision regarding treatment for patients who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with sore throat.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of adult patients who presented to the ED with a chief complaint of sore throat who subsequently underwent CT during that ED visit between 1/1/18 and 12/31/18 at our tertiary academic health center was performed. The association between palatal bulge on Otolaryngology physical exam with successful drainage procedure was examined. Read More

Cureus 2021 Aug 29;13(8):e17545. Epub 2021 Aug 29.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, USA.

Objective: Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is the most common deep space infection of the head and neck, affecting thousands of people annually with high treatment costs. The purpose of this project was to determine how in-network emergency departments (EDs) adhere to generally accepted guidelines regarding diagnosis and management of potential PTAs.

Methods: The authors performed a retrospective chart review to identify patients with PTA in five EDs in one year. Read More

Ir J Med Sci 2021 Oct 6. Epub 2021 Oct 6.

2nd Otolaryngology Department, School of Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1 Chaidari, 124 62, Athens, Greece.

Background: Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is the most common deep neck infection, occurring as a consequence of bacterial acute tonsillitis or as a result of infection of the Weber glands, with frequent and life-threatening complications.

Aim: To investigate several factors associated with complications and worse prognosis, such as defining the method of surgical drainage and treatment of a PTA which remains an area of controversy in the literature METHODS: The purpose of this retrospective study is to examine the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory findings of 601 adult patients and to discuss them along with their treatment plan.

Results: Pharyngalgia was the most common reported symptom, followed by trismus, odynophagia, fever, hot potato voice, malaise, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Read More

Rev Med Suisse 2021 Oct;17(753):1690-1693

Service d'otorhinolaryngologie et chirurgie maxillofaciale, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne.

Acute tonsillitis is a common disease. The tonsillar infection can be uni- or bilateral with a high rate of spontaneous recovery. In some cases, a peritonsillar cellulitis or abscess can occur, characterized by an inflammatory reaction of the peritonsillar space. Read More

OTO Open 2021 Jul-Sep;5(3):2473974X211044081. Epub 2021 Sep 13.

Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Objective: The management of peritonsillar abscess (PTA) has evolved over time. We sought to define contemporary practice patterns for the diagnosis and treatment of PTA.

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey. Read More

R I Med J (2013) 2021 Sep 1;104(7):46-49. Epub 2021 Sep 1.

Infectious Diseases Attending Physician, The Miriam Hospital, Brown University.

A 21-year-old male with no past medical history presented with a sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath after attending a party days earlier. He was initially treated for community-acquired pneumonia, but subsequently developed a new oxygen requirement. CT imaging of the chest showed multifocal airspace disease, concerning for COVID-19. Read More

Emerg Med Clin North Am 2021 Aug 9;39(3):661-675. Epub 2021 Jun 9.

Goryeb Children's Hospital, Morristown Medical Center/Atlantic Health System, 100 Madison Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA. Electronic address:

Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) emergencies presenting with a chief complaint of pharyngitis can be due to infection, trauma, or postprocedure complications. The entities described in this article include retropharyngeal abscess, peritonsillar abscess, epiglottitis, bacterial tracheitis, and post-tonsillectomy bleeding. This article provides the emergency physician with the tools needed to decipher between the mundane and the critical, variations in presentation, and their emergent management. Read More

Emerg Med Clin North Am 2021 Aug 11;39(3):529-554. Epub 2021 Jun 11.

Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room M121, Alway Building MC 5768, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.

Point-of-care ultrasound can improve efficacy and safety of pediatric procedures performed in the emergency department. This article reviews ultrasound guidance for the following pediatric emergency medicine procedures: soft tissue (abscess incision and drainage, foreign body identification and removal, and peritonsillar abscess drainage), musculoskeletal and neurologic (hip arthrocentesis, peripheral nerve blocks, and lumbar puncture), vascular access (peripheral intravenous access and central line placement), and critical care (endotracheal tube placement, pericardiocentesis, thoracentesis, and paracentesis). By incorporating ultrasound, emergency physicians caring for pediatric patients have the potential to enhance their procedural scope, confidence, safety, and success. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2021 Jun 29;14(6). Epub 2021 Jun 29.

Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA.

Lemierre syndrome (LS) is an acute oropharyngeal infection with secondary septic thrombophlebitis and distant septic embolisation. A 29-year-old woman with sore throat, dyspnoea and left shoulder pain, who was on levofloxacin for 3 days, presented with worsening symptoms. She was tachycardic, tachypneic and hypoxic on presentation. Read More

Laryngoscope 2021 12 10;131(12):2706-2712. Epub 2021 Jun 10.

Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.

Objectives: There are three surgical treatment options for patients with peritonsillar abscess (PTA): needle aspiration, incision and drainage (ID), and abscess tonsillectomy (ATE). The updated German national guideline (2015) included changes in the treatment of PTA. The indication for tonsillectomy (TE) in patients became more stringent and preference was given to ID in certain cases. Read More

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2021 May 12:34894211015590. Epub 2021 May 12.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.

Objective: To evaluate the success of sole medical therapy (MT) versus surgical therapy (ST) in patients with both clinically and radiographically confirmed peritonsillar abscess (PTA). To also determine treatment safety based on abscess size, and identify predictors of treatment failure.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort of 3 hospitals in a single academic health system. Read More

J Laryngol Otol 2021 Jul 29;135(7):584-588. Epub 2021 Apr 29.

Department of Otolaryngology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.

Background: The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on healthcare has led to rapid changes in otolaryngology service provisions. As such, new standard operating procedures for the management of suspected tonsillitis or quinsy were implemented in our centre.

Methods: A retrospective audit was performed of acute referrals to ENT of patients with suspected tonsillitis, peritonsillar cellulitis or quinsy, during the 10 weeks before (group 1) and 10 weeks after (group 2) implementation of the new standard operating procedures. Read More

Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2021 Apr 11;6(2):183-187. Epub 2021 Mar 11.

Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery University of Toronto Toronto Canada.

Objective: There are no consensus guidelines for managing peritonsillar abscess (PTA) despite its prevalence. In order to devise best practice guidelines, current practice patterns must first be established.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, surveying Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery trainees (residents and fellows) and consultant (academic and community). Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2021 May 28;144:110694. Epub 2021 Mar 28.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Kiinanmyllynkatu 4-8, 20520, Turku, Finland. Electronic address:

Purpose: Pediatric deep neck space infection (DNI) is a relatively rare but potentially life-threatening condition and requires prompt and accurate management. This study retrospectively reviews our experience in a tertiary referral hospital from 2004 to 2019.

Methods: Systematic data collection from medical records using ICD10 codes between 2004 and 2019. Read More

Laryngoscope 2021 10 20;131(10):2241-2245. Epub 2021 Mar 20.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Medwave 2021 Jan 8;21(1):e8098. Epub 2021 Jan 8.

Departamento Otorrinolaringología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile. ORCID: 000-0002-1775-0057.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, has become a global pandemic. Given that the highest viral load of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is found in the airway, otolaryngologists are at high risk of infection. As a result, multiple recommendations have emerged regarding protective measures for surgical teams, including suspending non-urgent procedures and surgeries. Read More

J Laryngol Otol 2021 Feb 18;135(2):176-178. Epub 2021 Feb 18.

Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery, Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.

Background: Peritonsillar abscess, or quinsy, is one of the most common emergency presentations to ENT departments, and is the most common deep tissue infection of the head and neck. In the UK, junior members of the ENT team are regularly required to independently assess, diagnose and treat patients with peritonsillar aspiration or incision and drainage.

Issue: Inexperienced practitioners can stumble at several obstacles: poor access due to trismus; poor lighting; difficulty in learning the therapeutic procedure; and difficulty in accurately documenting findings and treatment. Read More