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Bilateral peritonsillar abscess

Case contributed by Mauricio Macagnan
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Pain and swelling in the neck a week ago. Fever. No trauma.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Female

It is observed volume increase in both tonsils, and two collections are identified, with hypodense centers and highlighted walls after intravenous contrast, associated with inflammatory changes in adipose tissue of parapharyngeal space bilaterally. Reactive lymph nodes were identified in both upper cervical lymph node groups.

Case Discussion

The peritonsillar abscess is a relatively common complication of tonsillitis.

Treatment with antibiotics is an option, but in the vast majority surgical drainage is recommended.

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