Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026
07:30
Design of Cecal Ligation and Puncture and Intranasal Infection Dual Model of Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression
Published on: June 15, 2019
9.4K
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome complicating a peritonsillar abscess
Mathilde Aalling1, Tejs Ehlers Klug
1From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital , Aarhus , Denmark.
Infectious Diseases (London, England)
|October 25, 2014
Summary
A peritonsillar abscess caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) led to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) in a patient. Prompt diagnosis and tonsillectomy resulted in recovery, highlighting a rare but serious complication.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a common cause of pharyngeal infections.
- Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is a severe, life-threatening condition.
- Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a known complication of tonsillitis.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old male presented with fever, sore throat, and acute confusional state.
- The patient rapidly developed hypotension, coagulation disturbances, and renal impairment.
- Blood cultures identified GAS, leading to a diagnosis of STSS.
Findings:
- A computed tomography scan revealed a right-sided peritonsillar abscess (PTA).
- The patient underwent acute tonsillectomy and subsequently recovered.
- This case represents the first reported instance of STSS complicating a PTA.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider STSS as a potential complication of tonsillar infections.
- The development of an abscess should be suspected in STSS patients unresponsive to antibiotics.
- Early recognition and intervention, including abscess drainage, are crucial for patient outcomes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
3.8K
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
3.8K
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
645
This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
645
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
808
Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
808
01:28Diphtheria
160
Diphtheria is an acute, toxin-mediated infectious disease that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a Gram-positive, pleomorphic rod that lacks spore-forming capability and exhibits a characteristic club-shaped morphology under microscopic examination. While C. diphtheriae can asymptomatically colonize mucosal surfaces, clinical disease manifests only when the bacterial strain is lysogenized by a specific β-corynephage. This phage...
160
01:29Staphylococcal Skin Infections
121
Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
121
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
6.5K
Introduction
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:
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:
6.5K