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Published on: December 19, 2020
Bilateral Peritonsillar Abscesses Subsequent to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Case Report
Hisataka Ominato1, Takumi Kumai2, Ryo Ota1
1Department of Otolaryngology, Japan Community Health Care Organization Hokkaido Hospital, Sapporo, JPN.
Insights
Bacterial superinfections can worsen coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This case report details a rare instance of bilateral peritonsillar abscesses developing after a COVID-19 diagnosis, highlighting the need for vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Bacterial superinfections are known to complicate viral illnesses like coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- Peritonsillar abscesses are uncommon but serious complications, potentially leading to airway compromise.
- The association between COVID-19 and the development of bilateral peritonsillar abscesses has not been previously documented.
Observation:
- A 20-year-old female presented with a sore throat and was diagnosed with COVID-19.
- Five days post-diagnosis, her sore throat worsened significantly.
- Clinical examination revealed bilateral peritonsillar abscesses.
Findings:
- The patient underwent abscess drainage and antibiotic treatment.
- Symptoms resolved within seven days of intervention.
- This case represents the first reported instance of bilateral peritonsillar abscesses following COVID-19.
Implications:
- Clinicians managing COVID-19 patients should consider differential diagnoses beyond typical viral symptoms.
- Sore throat in COVID-19 may indicate other serious upper airway conditions, such as peritonsillar abscess.
- Prompt recognition and management of secondary bacterial infections are crucial for favorable outcomes in COVID-19 patients.
Abstract:
Superinfections with various bacteria exacerbate the symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Bilateral peritonsillar abscesses are rare and could be fatal, and their occurrence after COVID-19 has not been reported. A 20-year-old woman visited our hospital with a sore throat. The patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 infection, with no tonsillitis or peritonsillar abscess. Five days later, she returned to our department because of the deterioration of a sore throat. The patient was diagnosed with bilateral peritonsillar abscesses and admitted to the hospital for abscess drainage and antibiotics, which relieved her symptoms in seven days. Although a sore throat is a common symptom of COVID-19, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of other upper airway diseases, including bilateral peritonsillar abscess, during COVID-19 treatment.
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