[Acute tonsillectomy in infectious mononucleosis]

Enlargement of the pharyngeal tonsils in infectious mononucleosis (MI) is frequently an important component of the clinical picture but pronounced obstruction of the upper respiratory passages is rare. An analysis of 11 cases of infectious mononucleosis with varying degrees of pharyngeal obstruction is presented. During the acute phase of the disease, tonsillectomy was performed and also adenoidectomy in four of the cases. The patients improved rapidly after the operation and were discharged after an average of four days. No noteworthy complications of the operation occurred. An unexpectedly great number of cases of abscess formation were found at operation. Histological examination of the tonsils revealed changes in the lymphoid tissue which were characteristic but not specific for infectious mononucleosis together with extensive necrosis of the tonsillar surface. On the basis of this investigation, the authors consider that acute tonsillectomy is indicated in infectious mononucleosis with threatening occlusion of the upper airway and in cases of suspected peritonsillar abscess. In cases of slight or moderate respiratory obstruction, acute tonsillectomy may be considered in the therapeutic deliberations if the course of the condition is protracted and steroid treatment does not have the desired effect.