Bilateral peritonsillar abscesses: case report and literature review

Am J Otolaryngol. 2006 Nov-Dec;27(6):443-5. doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2006.03.010.

Abstract

Although unilateral peritonsillar abscesses (PTA) are a common complication of acute bacterial tonsillitis, bilateral PTA are quite rare. We present the case of a 14-year-old female teenager with a 1-week history of acute tonsillitis. Physical examination revealed significant trismus, symmetrically inflamed tonsils and soft palate, and a midline uvula. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the neck demonstrated bilateral PTA. After bilateral needle aspiration and administration of antibiotics, complete disease resolution was rapidly achieved. Patients with bilateral PTA present a diagnostic dilemma because they do not demonstrate the classic asymmetric signs and symptoms seen in the more prevalent unilateral PTA. Contrast-enhanced CT imaging can help diagnose bilateral PTA and should be considered in the presence of marked trismus but with the absence of unilateral inflammatory findings.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Peritonsillar Abscess / diagnostic imaging*
  • Peritonsillar Abscess / etiology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Tonsillitis / complications*