[A fatal outcome of false croup in lacunar angina complicated by peritonsillar abscess]

The paper reports a lethal outcome of false croup in a 62-year-old man. In pathogenetic chain of the disease the leading role belonged to purulent tonsillitis with peritonsillar abscess and epiglottitis with phlegmone of the adjacent soft tissues including the vocal cords. A severe edema of the latter provoked a complete obstruction in the larynx and asphyxia with all its macro- and microscopic morphological features. Chronic alcoholic intoxication seemed to cause immunodeficiency and slow progression of the disease. Tonsillitis, chronic with exacerbation, was alleviated by chronic alcoholic intoxication leading to weak symptoms, delayed reactions and "strange" outcome. Hyperergia could be due to intake of alcohol surrogate.