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Mediastinitis - a rare complication of a peritonsillar abscess

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

T. R. Nielsen*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Hillerød Hospital, University of Copenhagen.
F. Clement
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Hillerød Hospital, University of Copenhagen.
U. K. Andreassen
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen.
*
Address for correspondence: Torfinnur Rubek Nielsen, Department of Otolaryngology, Hillerød Sygehus, Helsevej 2, DK-3400 Hillerød, Denmark.

Abstract

We report a case of mediastinitis, in an otherwise healthy 25-year-old man, resulting from a peritonsillar abscess with extension through the parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal spaces.

In our case the patient was primarily treated with needle aspiration, a method described in many publications as a safe alternative to incision and drainage.

We emphasize that for peritonsillar abscesses a tonsillectomy or wide incision and drainage, instead of needle aspiration, might prevent the extension of the condition, thus preventing serious complications.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1996

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