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Peritonsillar abscess with rapid progression to complete airway obstruction in a toddler

Andrew Ormond1, Stephen Chao, Dov Shapiro

  • 1Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, Illinois.

The Laryngoscope
|June 11, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Peritonsillar abscess is rare in children under 5. This case highlights airway obstruction complications, necessitating urgent tracheostomy and surgical intervention for this pediatric peritonsillar abscess.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is uncommon in children under 5 years.
  • PTA can lead to serious complications, including airway compromise.

Observation:

  • A 22-month-old child presented with a right PTA and parapharyngeal spread.
  • Rapid epiglottic swelling caused severe airway obstruction.

Findings:

  • Urgent tracheostomy was required to secure the airway.
  • Incision and drainage of the abscess and lateral pharyngeal space, along with tonsillectomy, were performed.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for severe airway complications in pediatric PTA.
  • Prompt recognition and aggressive management are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric peritonsillar abscess.

Keywords:
Peritonsillar abscessairway obstructionparapharyngeal spacetonsillectomy

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