Peritonsillar Abscess in Early ChildhoodPresentation and Management
Norman R. Friedman, MD;
Ron B. Mitchell, MD;
Kevin D. Pereira, MD;
Ramzi T. Younis, MD;
Rande H. Lazar, MD
Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1997;123(6):630-632.
Abstract
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Objective
To highlight the modes of presentation and management of a peritonsillar abscess in children younger than 5 years.
Design
Retrospective case series.
Setting
Tertiary referral pediatric otolaryngology practice.
Patients
Seven children younger than 5 years.
Results
The mean age of the children studied was 27 months (age range, 7-41 months). Five (71%) of the 7 patients underwent computed tomographic scanning to confirm the diagnosis. Pus was cultured at surgery in every case. The most common organism detected was Streptococcus viridans. The average hospital stay was 72 hours (range, 22 hours to 12 days). After diagnosis of an abscess, all patients underwent an electrocautery tonsillectomy and had an uneventful recovery.
Conclusions
Children younger than 5 years who present with poor oral intake, high fever, drooling, and trismus should be suspected of having a peritonsillar abscess. A computed tomographic scan of the neck is usually required to confirm a suspected diagnosis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment will lead to a considerable decrease in morbidity. Immediate tonsillectomy is a safe and effective means of abscess drainage.
Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1997;123:630-632
Author Affiliations
From the Otolaryngology Consultants of Memphis, Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, 777 Washington Ave, Suite P240, Memphis, Tenn.
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