[Severe regional and distant complication of tonsillitis. Case report]

The authors describe a 66-year-old male patient treated for angina that was complicated by para- and retropharyngeal phlegmon, mediastinitis and pleuropneumonia. The role of imaging procedures and bacteriological examination was found especially important in establishing the diagnosis and introducing the right treatment. Efficacy of external (transcutaneus) approach to the para- and retropharyngeal space and phlegmon drainage of these spaces preceded with tracheotomy and tonsillectomy was underlined. Surgical treatment was supplemented with multi-component antibiotic therapy and gammaglobulin administration.