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Tonsillitis to mediastinitis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 July 2006

J Collin
Affiliation:
Department of General Surgery, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
N Beasley
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Nottingham, UK

Abstract

Parapharyngeal abscess secondary to quinsy is a well understood complication; however, its incidence has significantly declined following early use of effective antibiotics. Tracking of infection from the parapharyngeal space through the anatomical planes to cause mediastinitis has a significant mortality rate and requires early detection and aggressive management. A case of quinsy leading to mediastinitis, pericarditis and pleural effusions is presented. It highlights the potentially life-threatening complications of a commonly encountered ENT problem.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
2006 JLO (1984) Limited

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