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Published on: November 6, 2019
Management of intratonsillar abscess in children
Seckin O Ulualp1, Korgun Koral, Linda Margraf
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9035, USA. seckin.ulualp@utsouthwestern.edu
Insights
Intratonsillar abscess in children often resolves with intravenous antibiotics. Surgical drainage is necessary for cases with airway compromise or combined intra- and peritonsillar abscess.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Infections
Background:
- Intratonsillar abscess is a rare condition in children.
- Assessing treatment outcomes for intratonsillar abscess is crucial for pediatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of medical and surgical interventions for pediatric intratonsillar abscess.
- To identify predictors for successful treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients diagnosed with intratonsillar abscess.
- Analysis of patient history, physical examination findings, imaging results, management strategies, and follow-up data.
Main Results:
- Eleven children (4-18 years) were analyzed.
- Intravenous antibiotics were effective for isolated intratonsillar abscess or phlegmon.
- Surgical intervention was required for patients with combined intra- and peritonsillar abscess or respiratory compromise.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous antibiotic therapy is a primary treatment for stable pediatric intratonsillar abscess or phlegmon.
- Surgical drainage is indicated for complex cases involving airway compromise or coexisting peritonsillar abscess.
Background:
The aim of this study was to assess outcomes of medical and surgical treatment of intratonsillar abscess in children.
Methods:
The medical charts of children with intratonsillar abscess were reviewed to obtain information on history and physical examination, imaging, management, and follow-up assessment.
Results:
Eleven children (six male, five female; age range, 4-18 years) were identified. The common complaints included sore throat, fever, and odynophagia. Asymmetric tonsil hypertrophy was present in nine patients and erythema of tonsils in all patients. Peritonsillar fullness was present in three patients. One patient needed emergency intubation due to respiratory compromise. Computed tomography indicated unilateral intratonsillar abscess in nine patients, bilateral intratonsillar abscess in one, and unilateral phlegmon in one. Inflammatory changes were observed in the parapharyngeal space in all patients, retropharyngeal space in one, and pyriform sinus and aryepiglottic folds in two. Antibiotic treatment included clindamycin in seven patients, ampicillin/sulbactam in one, and clindamycin plus ceftriaxone in three. The patients with respiratory compromise underwent surgery prior to antibiotic treatment. Patients with isolated intratonsillar abscess or phlegmon had resolution of their symptoms with i.v. antibiotic treatment. Patients with combination of intratonsillar and peritonsillar abscess required incision and drainage of peritonsillar abscess.
Conclusions:
Clinically stable children with intratonsillar abscess or phlegmon respond to i.v. antibiotic therapy. Surgical drainage can accomplish clinical resolution in the presence of a combination of intra- and peri-tonsillar abscess, airway compromise, or unresponsiveness to medical treatment.
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