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[Phlegmon neck and face as a complication peritonsillar abscess--case report]

Krzysztof Kuśmierczyk1, Jurek Olszewski, Wiesław Konopka

  • 1Klinika Otolaryngologii i Rehabilitacji Fono-Audiologicznej Katedry Chirurgii Głowy i Szyi UM, Lodzi.

Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski : Organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego
|December 20, 2005
PubMed

Insights

A rare complication of tonsil inflammation and peritonsillar abscess is parapharyngeal and soft tissue phlegmon. Surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotics are crucial for managing this serious condition.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Tonsillar inflammation and peritonsillar abscesses are common conditions.
  • Serious complications, though rare, can arise from these infections.
  • Understanding the pathway to deep neck infections is critical for timely intervention.

Observation:

  • A 46-year-old male presented with complications stemming from tonsillar inflammation and a peritonsillar abscess.
  • The patient developed parapharyngeal phlegmon and superficial soft tissue phlegmon of the face and neck.
  • This severe complication occurred despite broad-spectrum antibiotic application.

Findings:

  • The study highlights a rare but severe sequela of peritonsillar abscess: deep neck space infection (parapharyngeal phlegmon).
  • Superficial soft tissue phlegmon of the face and neck was also observed.
  • The mortality rate associated with such phlegmon complications can be significant, reaching a few percent.

Implications:

  • Aggressive surgical management, including wide tissue debridement and drainage of infected interfascial spaces, is the primary treatment.
  • Intravenous antibiotic therapy is a critical component of the multimodal treatment approach.
  • Early recognition and prompt surgical intervention are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with deep neck infections.

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