Related Experiment Videos
[Peritonsillar abscess: a life threatening disease--diagnostic and therapeutic aspects]
S Kinzer1, W Maier, G J Ridder
1Universitätsklinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg. kinzer@hno.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
Background:
Acute tonsillitis is an extremely common infection seen in children and adults. In most cases, the family doctor is initially consulted. Intratonsillar, peritonsillar and retrotonsillar abscesses are frequent complications in the course of tonsillitis. In those cases, oropharyngeal infection may lead to a descending process with consecutive mediastinitis as a life-threatening condition.
Patients And Methods:
We report the case of a 67-year old man who died of a mediastinitis resulting from a peritonsillar abscess. Clinical findings, radiological diagnostics and antibiotic as well as surgical therapy are illustrated.
Results:
The patient died due to a septic multi-organic failure despite aggressive antibiotic and surgical therapy by a combined enoral and cervical approach with thoracic drainage.
Discussion:
Peritonsillar abscess is a potentially life-threatening complication of acute tonsillitis. This must be kept in mind and should therefore lead to an adequate and directed management of this pathology. We discuss the stepwise diagnosis and therapy within the framework of scientific literature.
Related Concept Videos
Tonsillitis II: Management
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Streptococcal Pharyngitis