Assessment of the utility of ultrasonography and microbiology in the treatment of peritonsillar abscess in children

Abstract

Introduction. Peritonsillar abscess is the most common deep neck and head space infection. It mostly occurs in young adults and teenagers, usually during the infectious season; at the turn of November and December as well as April and May. The peak incidence coincides with the highest incidence of streptococcal pharyngitis. Aim. A clinical analysis was performed in patients with peritonsillar abscess symptoms to determine the role of ultrasound imaging as a diagnostic tool confirming this condition. Material and methods. A retrospective, non-randomised study conducted in a group of 20 patients aged between 1 and 17 years, who were hospitalised due to peritonsillar abscess or infiltration in the Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology. Ultrasonography of the neck was performed in all patients in the study group to assess the presence of a fluid reservoir on the symptomatic side. Results. Ultrasound imaging revealed the presence of fluid indicative of abscess in 12 cases. Incision and puncture were performed in all these patients. Purulent content was obtained in 11 cases. Conclusions. Ultrasound was found useful in detecting the presence of an abscess and differentiating between peritonsillar infiltration and abscess.