Parapharyngeal abscess is frequently associated with concomitant peritonsillar abscess

Blood, Sweat, and Tonsils: Bleeding After Abscess Tonsillectomy for Quinsy-A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Abscess tonsillectomy is performed during an active episode of quinsy. Apprehensions regarding an elevated bleeding risk have hindered its widespread acceptance. This study aims to assess the prevalence of post-tonsillectomy bleeding (PTB) associated with abscess tonsillectomy.

DATA SOURCES

A search was performed on August 27, 2023 in Medline, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases.

REVIEW METHODS

The systematic review was conducted in adherence to the PRISMA guidelines. Pooled PTB rate was determined using a meta-analysis of proportions. The JBI tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies.

RESULTS

Of the 525 search records, 18 studies met the eligibility criteria for final analysis. These comprised of retrospective single-center analyses. The pooled prevalence of PTB was 6.65% (95% C.I. 4.01-9.81), and the return-to-theatre rate was 2.35% (95% C.I. 1.48-3.37). There was no difference in PTB rate between unilateral and bilateral tonsillectomy. However, the bipolar technique was associated with a higher PTB rate compared to cold steel dissection. The overall quality of the body of evidence was moderate.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the complications associated with abscess tonsillectomy. These findings contribute valuable insights into this potential treatment option for quinsy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A Laryngoscope, 134:4186-4195, 2024.

Parapharyngeal Abscess: Antibiotic-only or Open Surgical Drainage?

Objective:Many problems of parapharyngeal abscess (PPA), such as etiology, predisposing factors, and therapeutic methods, are still controversial. We aim to investigate the characteristics of PPA to better understand the therapeutic effects of the disease. Methods: We retrospectively collated the medical record reviews of 49 PPA patients who were treated as PPA inpatients when a patient was hospitalized and diagnosed with PPA, and empiric antibiotics were used. Only if the drug treatment was ineffective, the abscess was large, or the disease continued to progress, and surgical treatment was adopted. Results: In total, 49 patients who met the research criteria were identified. Streptococcus was the most common organism in PPA patients. The morbidity of diabetes in PPA patients was higher than the prevalence of diabetes in the overall population. Interestingly, the length of hospital stay was shorter in the antibiotic-only group than in the surgery group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the duration from onset to treatment in the antibiotic-only group was shorter than in the surgery group. Conclusion: Our treatment protocol is effective. Antibiotic-only method is also recommended for the PPA which was effective for the empiric antibiotics and localized. Early diagnosis and treatment of PPA could ultimately reduce the severity of PPA.

Drainage of Inferiorly Extended Peritonsillar Abscess Using an Endoscope and Radiofrequency Device: Technical note

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is the most common deep neck infection of the head and neck, but pharyngeal edema extending behind or below the tonsil and spreading to the larynx is atypical. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are required because airway obstruction, descending mediastinitis, or thrombophlebitis may result. We evaluated surgical outcomes of inferiorly extended PTA (IEPTA) using an endoscope and a radiofrequency device for intraoral drainage. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 56 patients with IEPTA who underwent incisional drainage between 2013 and 2021. Two experienced surgeons performed intraoral drainage using an endoscope and a radiofrequency device (endoscopic group [EG]) or without such devices (WEG). Thirty (male: 26, female: four; mean age: 51.3 years), and 26 (male: 21, female: five; mean age: 55.9 years) patients in the EG and WEG, respectively, were evaluated. The mean hospitalization durations were 6.7 and 14.5 days for the EG and WEG, respectively (p<0.01). There were significant between-group differences regarding the number of tracheostomies conducted to secure an airway or surgical field (EG: four (13.3%); WEG: 16 (61.5%); p<0.01. The hospitalization duration for patients undergoing tracheostomy was significantly shorter in the EG than in the WEG (9.3 vs. 18.5 days, respectively; p=0.01). No significant difference in the mean hospital stay was observed for patients who did not undergo tracheostomy ([EG: 6.3, WEG: 8.2] days; p=0.081). IEPTA drainage using an endoscope and a radiofrequency instrument can reduce duration of hospitalization and tracheostomy procedures compared with the conventional method.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-022-03362-0.

MRI of acute neck infections: evidence summary and pictorial review

Infection of the deep neck spaces is a life-threatening acute illness that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers unsurpassed soft tissue discrimination and is therefore well suited for imaging neck infections. Recently, the feasibility, diagnostic accuracy, and clinical significance of this method have been documented in patients with acute neck infections. This review article summarizes the scientific evidence, provides a practical guide to image acquisition and interpretation, reviews the most common imaging findings, and discusses some difficult diagnoses and pitfalls in acute neck infections, to help both radiologists and clinicians in managing these critically ill patients.

Parapharyngeal and floor-of-mouth abscess secondary to tonsillar phlegmon: A rare and unusual cause of Ludwig's angina

We present an unusual case of Ludwig's angina secondary to a left tonsillar phlegmon in a previously fit and well 50-year-old woman. This tonsillar phlegmon spread along the peritonsillar/parapharyngeal plane to cause a diffuse cellulitis and collection in the submental, sublingual, and submandibular spaces despite empirical intravenous antibiotic therapy.

MRI Findings in Acute Tonsillar Infections

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Previous literature is vague on the prevalence and exact nature of abscesses in tonsillar infections, ranging from intratonsillar and peritonsillar collections to deep extension involving the parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal spaces. MR imaging has excellent diagnostic accuracy in detecting neck infections and can potentially clarify this issue. We sought to characterize the spectrum of MR imaging findings regarding tonsillar infections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of emergency neck MR imaging scans of patients with tonsillar infections. Imaging data were assessed in terms of signs of infection and the location of abscesses and were compared with clinical findings, final diagnoses, and surgical findings as reference standards.

RESULTS

The study included 132 patients with tonsillar infection. Of these, 110 patients (83%) had ≥1 abscess (99 unilateral, 11 bilateral; average volume, 3.2 mL). Most abscesses were peritonsillar, and we found no evidence of intratonsillar abscess. Imaging showed evidence of parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal extension in 36% and 10% of patients, respectively. MR imaging had a high positive predictive value for both abscesses (0.98) and deep extension (0.86). Patients with large abscesses and widespread edema patterns had a more severe course of illness.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency neck MR imaging can accurately describe the extent and nature of abscess formation in tonsillar infections.

Ubi pus, ibi evacua: a review of 601 peritonsillar abscess adult cases

Background

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is the most common deep neck infection, occurring as a consequence of bacterial acute tonsillitis or as a result of infection of the Weber glands, with frequent and life-threatening complications.

Aim

To investigate several factors associated with complications and worse prognosis, such as defining the method of surgical drainage and treatment of a PTA which remains an area of controversy in the literature

Methods

The purpose of this retrospective study is to examine the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory findings of 601 adult patients and to discuss them along with their treatment plan.

Results

Pharyngalgia was the most common reported symptom, followed by trismus, odynophagia, fever, hot potato voice, malaise, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Sixty-eight patients developed complications. Streptococcus species were the most common pathogens. A statistically significant difference was found in days of hospitalization, WBC and CRP levels, age, and the pre-existing systemic diseases between patients with and without complications. A comparison of patients treated with intravenous and oral antibiotics revealed no statistically significant difference.

Conclusion

Οver 10% of PTA cases may develop complications, the most common of which is extension into deep neck spaces. Comorbid conditions increase the risk of complications. Despite the wide range of treatment strategies, incision and drainage remain the cornerstone of surgical treatment. In patients with no comorbidities, intravenous antibiotics appear to have no advantage over oral antibiotics.

Clinical evaluation of antibiotic regimens in patients with surgically verified parapharyngeal abscess: a prospective observational study

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different antibiotic regimens for the treatment of parapharyngeal abscess (PPA) and characterize patients, who suffered potentially preventable complications (defined as death, abscess recurrence, spread of infection, or altered antibiotic treatment because of insufficient progress).

METHODS

Sixty adult patients with surgically verified PPA were prospectively enrolled at five Danish Ear-nose-throat departments.

RESULTS

Surgical treatment included internal incision (100%), external incision (13%), and tonsillectomy (88%). Patients were treated with penicillin G ± metronidazole (n = 39), cefuroxime ± metronidazole (n = 16), or other antibiotics (n = 5). Compared to penicillin-treated patients, cefuroxime-treated patients were hospitalized for longer (4.5 vs 3.0 days, p = 0.007), were more frequently admitted to intensive care (56 vs 15%, p = 0.006), underwent external incision more frequently (31 vs 5%, p = 0.018), and suffered more complications (50 vs 18%, p = 0.022), including re-operation because of abscess recurrence (44 vs 3%, p < 0.001). Nine patients suffered potentially preventable complications. These patients displayed significantly higher C-reactive protein levels, received antibiotics prior to admission more frequently, underwent external incision more commonly, and were admitted to intensive care more frequently compared to other patients.

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients with PPA were effectively managed by abscess incision, tonsillectomy, and penicillin G ± metronidazole. Cefuroxime-treated patients were more severely ill at time of admission and had worse outcome compared to penicillin-treated patients. We recommend penicillin G + metronidazole as standard treatment for patients with PPA, but in cases with more risk factors for potentially preventable complications, we recommend aggressive surgical and broadened antibiotic therapy, e.g. piperacillin-tazobactam.

Microbiology of parapharyngeal abscesses in adults: in search of the significant pathogens

We aimed to describe the microbiology of parapharyngeal abscess (PPA) and point out the likely pathogens using the following principles to suggest pathogenic significance: (1) frequent recovery, (2) abundant growth, (3) growth in relative abundance to other microorganisms, (4) percentage of the isolates recovered in both absolute and relative abundance, (5) more frequent recovery in PPA pus compared with tonsillar surface and tissue. Comprehensive bacterial cultures were performed on specimens obtained from adult patients (n = 60) with surgically verified PPA, who were prospectively enrolled at five Danish ear-nose-throat departments. The prevalent isolates (in PPA pus) were unspecified anaerobes (73%), non-hemolytic streptococci (67%), Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG) (40%), Corynebacterium spp. (25%), Neisseria spp. (23%), Fusobacterium spp. (22%), Fusobacterium necrophorum (17%), Prevotella spp. (12%), and Streptococcus pyogenes (10%). The bacteria most frequently isolated in heavy (maximum) growth were unspecified anaerobes (60%), SAG (40%), F. necrophorum (23%), and Prevotella spp. (17%). The predominant microorganisms (those found in highest relative abundance) were unspecified anaerobes (53%), SAG (28%), non-hemolytic streptococci (25%), F. necrophorum (15%), S. pyogenes (10%), and Prevotella spp. (10%). Four potential pathogens were found in both heavy growth and highest relative abundance in at least 50% of cases: F. necrophorum, Prevotella spp., SAG, and S. pyogenes. SAG, Prevotella spp., F. necrophorum, S. pyogenes, and Bacteroides spp. were recovered with the same or higher frequency from PPA pus compared with tonsillar tissue and surface. Our findings suggest that SAG, F. necrophorum, Prevotella, and S. pyogenes are significant pathogens in PPA development.

Acute sore throat and Fusobacterium necrophorum in primary healthcare: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The main objective of this review was to describe and quantify the association between Fusobacterium necrophorum (FN) and acute sore throat in primary healthcare (PHC).

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Scopus and PubMed for case-control studies reporting the prevalence of FN in patients attending primary care for an uncomplicated acute sore throat as well as in healthy controls. Only studies published in English were considered. Publications were not included if they were case studies, or if they included patients prescribed antibiotics before the throat swab, patients with a concurrent malignant disease, on immunosuppression, having an HIV infection, or patients having another acute infection in addition to a sore throat. Inclusion criteria and methods were specified in advance and published in PROSPERO. The primary outcome was positive etiologic predictive value (P-EPV), quantifying the probability for an association between acute sore throat and findings of FN in the pharynx. For comparison, our secondary outcome was the corresponding P-EPV for group A Streptococcus (GAS).

RESULTS

PubMed and Scopus yielded 258 and 232 studies, respectively. Removing duplicates and screening the abstracts resulted in 53 studies subsequently read in full text. For the four studies of medium to high quality included in the meta-analysis, the cumulative P-EPV regarding FN was 64% (95% CI 33% to 83%). GAS, based on data from the same publications and patients, yielded a positive EPV of 93% (95% CI 83% to 99%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that FN may play a role in PHC patients with an acute sore throat, but the association is much weaker compared with GAS.

A Nationwide Population-Based Study on the Incidence of Parapharyngeal and Retropharyngeal Abscess-A 10-Year Study

This study aimed to investigate the annual incidence of parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscess (PRPA) based on 10-year population-based data. Patients with PRPA were identified from the Taiwan Health Insurance Research Database, a database of all medical claims of a randomly selected, population-representative sample of over two million enrollees of the National Health Insurance system that covers over 99% of Taiwan’s citizens. During 2007–2016, 5779 patients received a diagnosis of PRPA. We calculated the population-wide incidence rates of PRPA by sex and age group (20–44, 45–64, and >64) as well as in-hospital mortality. The annual incidence rate of PRPA was 2.64 per 100,000 people. The gender-specific incidence rates per 100,000 people were 3.34 for males and 1.94 for females with a male:female gender ratio of 1.72. A slight increase in incidence rates among both genders over the study period was noted. Age-specific rates were lowest in the 20–44 age group with a mean annual incidence of 2.00 per 100,000 people, and the highest rates were noted in the age groups of 45–64 and >64 years with mean annual incidences of 3.21 and 3.20, respectively. We found that PRPA is common in Taiwan, males and older individuals are more susceptible to it, and incidence has increased in recent years.

Complications of peritonsillar abscess

Background

The vast majority of patients with peritonsillar abscess (PTA) recover uneventfully on abscess drainage and antibiotic therapy. However, occasionally patient´s condition deteriorates as the infection spread in the upper airway mucosa, through cervical tissues, or hematogenously. The bacterial etiology of PTA is unclarified and the preferred antimicrobial regimen remains controversial. The current narrative review was carried out with an aim to (1) describe the spectrum of complications previously recognized in patients with peritonsillar abscess (PTA), (2) describe the bacterial findings in PTA-associated complications, and (3) describe the time relation between PTA and complications.

Methods

Systematic searches in the Medline and EMBASE databases were conducted and data on cases with PTA and one or more complications were elicited.

Results

Seventeen different complications of PTA were reported. The most frequently described complications were descending mediastinitis (n = 113), para- and retropharyngeal abscess (n = 96), necrotizing fasciitis (n = 38), and Lemierre´s syndrome (n = 35). Males constituted 70% of cases and 49% of patients were > 40 years of age. The overall mortality rate was 10%. The most prevalent bacteria were viridans group streptococci (n = 41, 25%), beta-hemolytic streptococci (n = 32, 20%), F. necrophorum (n = 21, 13%), S. aureus (n = 18, 11%), Prevotella species (n = 17, 10%), and Bacteroides species (n = 14, 9%). Simultaneous diagnosis of PTA and complication was more common (59%) than development of complication after PTA treatment (36%) or recognition of complication prior to PTA (6%).

Conclusion

Clinicians involved in the management of PTA patients should be aware of the wide range of complications, which may arise in association with PTA development. Especially males and patients  > 40 years of age seem to be at an increased risk of complicated disease. In addition to Group A streptococci and F. necrophorum, the current findings suggest that viridans group streptococci, S. aureus, Prevotella, and Bacteroides may also play occasional roles in the development of PTA as well as spread of infection. Complications occasionally develop in PTA patients, who are treated with antibiotics and surgical drainage.

Middle cerebral artery infarction following common carotid compression due to a multiloculated parapharyngeal abscess

Deep neck space infections (DNSIs) include retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses. We report a rare complication of left-sided middle cerebral artery infarction precipitated by left common carotid artery compression secondary to a multiloculated parapharyngeal abscess. A 59-year-old woman with poorly controlled diabetes was admitted following a loss of consciousness. Examination demonstrated unilateral right-sided hemiparesis and computed tomography (CT) of the brain revealed an acute left-sided frontoparietal infarct. The patient had been complaining of a fever, left-sided ear redness and pain six days prior. Unfortunately, despite antibiotics in the community, her ear pain worsened to involve her left jaw. Closer examination revealed a swelling in her left submandibular region and a CT of her neck was performed, revealing a multiloculated left parapharyngeal abscess with evidence of left common carotid compression. A naso-pharyngo-laryngoscopy (NPLS) was performed to confirm the presence of an abscess. Owing to the size and complex location of the abscess, management via a prolonged antibiotic treatment was opted for over surgical intervention. After completion there was improvement in medical state and resolution on repeat NPLS. Vascular-related complications are rare following DNSI. Carotid artery compression has been reported, although current literature suggests it to be a benign phenomenon. Our case is the first reported instance of a parapharyngeal abscess with severe neurological complications, reminding physicians that such complications following a DNSI remain possible. Although rare, in the event of a cerebrovascular accident and sepsis, DNSI remains a possible cause to be considered.

A NEW TREATMENT MODALITY TO REDUCE ACUTE TONSILLITIS HEALING TIME

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Acute tonsillitis is one of the most common reasons for application to otorhinolaryngology clinics. In the treatment of acute tonsillitis, supportive therapies are mostly used. As antibiotic therapy, penicillin or erythromycin can be used. The aim of this study is to decrease the clinical recovery time of acute tonsillitis by providing parenteral treatment and daily cleaning of tonsillar lesions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with an age range of 15-60 years were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups. The first group used an i.v. combination of ampicillin + sulbactam and the tonsillar membranes of patients were cleaned daily. The second group used only the i.v. combination of ampicillin + sulbactam.

RESULTS

Patients who received antibiotherapy and debridement had a clinical improvement of 90% on the 2nd treatment day and 95% on the 5th treatment day. The patients receiving only antibiotics had a clinical improvement of 65% on the 5th treatment day and 75% on the 7th treatment day. The recovery time of both groups was significantly different (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The solution and technique used in this clinical study showed that patients with acute tonsillitis could recover in a very short time without any complications.

The usefulness of abscess tonsillectomy followed by intraoral drainage for parapharyngeal abscess concomitant with peritonsillar abscess in the elderly

Parapharyngeal abscess (PPA) may cause life-threatening complications and peritonsillar abscess (PTA) and tonsillitis frequently precede PPA. The optimal management of PPA caused by PTA has been the subject of debate with respect to the surgical approach. We present three cases of PPA concomitant with PTA in elderly patients. In two cases, the abscesses in parapharyngeal space were drained by abscess tonsillectomy followed by intraoral incision of the tonsillar bed. On the other hand, the third case did not undergo abscess tonsillectomy because of his refusal of surgery and needed extraoral drainage after the aggravation of PPA. Based on the experience of those three cases, it was suggested that abscess tonsillectomy followed by intraoral incision of the tonsillar bed might be a useful surgical approach for the drainage of PPA concomitant with PTA, especially in elderly patients.

The Liverpool Peritonsillar abscess Score: Development of a predictive score through a prospective multicentre observational study

OBJECTIVES

While uncommon in the population at large, peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a common subject of ENT referrals. Missed or uncertain diagnosis is a source of concern for non-specialist referrers. In line with the NHS England Second Sepsis Action Plan, we aimed to develop a predictive score for the presence of PTA. This would help to improve non-specialist colleagues' diagnostic certainty as well as to support ENT surgeons' triage of these referrals.

DESIGN

Prospective, multicentre observational study.

SETTING

Primary and secondary care.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients >16 years with symptoms of sore throat.

DATA

We prospectively collected comprehensive data on patient demographics, symptoms and clinical status. We documented whether the patient had aspiration-proven PTA or not. We performed binary logistic regression analysis, iterative development of a predictive score which we validated internally.

RESULTS

100 patients were included (46 PTA and 54 tonsillitis). Five variables added significantly to the logistic regression model: unilateral sore throat; trismus; male gender; pharyngeal voice change; and uvular deviation. Using the odds ratio outputs, we developed the Liverpool Peritonsillar abscess Score (LPS) iteratively. We validated the latest (third) iteration of the LPS internally (ie, on the same sample), yielding sensitivity 96%; specificity 85%; positive predictive value 85%; and negative predictive value 96%. The area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curve was 0.970.

CONCLUSIONS

We have developed the first predictive score for PTA based on symptoms and signs that do not require the user to have specialist experience. Its high negative predictive value may be particularly helpful to non-specialist colleagues.

Confluent Retropharyngeal, Lateral Pharyngeal, and Peritonsilar MRSA Abscess in an Infant

Neck abscesses such as retropharyngeal, peritonsilar, and lateral pharyngeal are well described, typically cause a characteristic illness, and have a known epidemiology. We present a rare occurrence of case of confluent, mixed retropharyngeal, lateral pharyngeal, and peritonsilar abscess in a 9-month-old female infant. The symptoms at presentation were very mild and not expected in association with this extensive an abscess. The causative organism was methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Tonsillectomy increases the risk of retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses in adults, but not in children: A national cohort study

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the risk of retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses (deep neck infection) after tonsillectomy in Koreans using national cohort data.

Methods

Using the national cohort study from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, participants who had undergone a tonsillectomy (5,299) and control participants (21,196) were selected and matched 1:4 (for age, sex, income, region of residence, and pre-operative upper respiratory infection visits). The Cox-proportional hazard model was used. A crude model and an adjusted model for age, sex, income, region of residence, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were used in this analysis. For the subgroup analyses, the participants were divided into 2 groups: children (≤ 14 years old) and adolescents and adults (≥ 15 years old).

Results

The adjusted hazard ratio of deep neck infection after tonsillectomy was 1.43 (95% confidence interval, CI = 1.18–1.72, P < 0.001). In subgroup analysis, this ratio was 1.12 (95% CI = 0.86–1.47, P = 0.390) in children and 1.87 (95% CI = 1.43–2.45, P < 0.001) in adolescents and adults. The crude hazard ratios were almost the same as the adjusted ratios.

Conclusion

The risk of deep neck infection was higher in the tonsillectomy group. The subgroup analysis showed a similar finding in the adolescent and adult group but not in the child group.

Comparison of Medical Therapy Alone to Medical Therapy with Surgical Treatment of Peritonsillar Abscess

Objective This study was performed to determine whether the efficacy and safety of medical management of uncomplicated peritonsillar abscess (PTA) presenting in the emergency department is equivalent to medical plus surgical therapy. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Southern California Permanente Medical Group (SCPMG). Subjects and Methods Upon successful completion of a prospective study comparing medical treatment (MT) to surgical treatment (ST) of PTA in 2008, MT was adopted by 12 SCPMG centers while 7 centers continued standard surgical drainage. Clinical outcomes are now reviewed on a random sampling of 211 patients with PTA treated with MT and 96 patients treated with ST between 2008 and 2013 at the respective medical centers. Patients were treated with intravenous (IV) fluids, weight-appropriate IV ceftriaxone, clindamycin, and dexamethasone, and then discharged on clindamycin × 10 days (MT). Patients in the ST group received MT but also surgical drainage. Primary end points were complication rates and failure rates. Results MT and ST resulted in no significant difference in treatment success or complications. However, patients in the MT group obtained significantly less liquid opioid prescriptions (MT, 30.8 ± 5.65; ST, 77.75 ± 13.41; P < .0001), reported fewer sore days (MT, 4.48 ± 0.27; ST, 5.77 ± 0.49; P = .0004), and required less days off from work (MT, 3.4 ± 0.44; ST, 4.9 ± 0.82; P = .044). Conclusions Compared to ST, MT appears to be equally safe and efficacious, with less pain, opioid use, and days off work, especially if patients with PTA present without trismus. MT for PTAs reduces the possibility of surgical complications, as well as the cost and inconvenience associated with ST.

Predisposing factors and management of complications in acute tonsillitis

CONCLUSION

RPA and NF was diagnosed with a sensitivity/specificity of 100%/94% in patients with acute tonsillitis and without suspicion for disease complication after ENT examination, but an age >35 years and serum CRP >15.5mg/dl.

BACKGROUND

Acute tonsillitis represents a frequent disease in the otorhinolaryngology. Some patients exhibit disease aggravations resulting in (descending) peritonsillar abscess (PTA, dPTA), para-/retropharyngeal abscess (PPA, RPA), or necrotising fasciitis (NF). The study analyses the underlying predisposing factors.

METHODS

The retrospective cohort study includes a total of 1636 patients comprising 852 outpatients with acute bacterial tonsillitis, 279 in-patients with acute bacterial tonsillitis, 452 patients with PTA, 31 patients with dPTA/PPA, 12 patients with RPA, and 10 patients with NF. Patients were analysed for disease-related data.

RESULTS

While leucocytes do not distinguish the sub-groups, C-reactive protein demonstrated a significant increase resulting in the highest level for RPA and NF (p < 0.0001). PTA and RPA are usually caused by streptococcus, dPTA/PPA by anaerobic bacterias, and NF mixed infections (p < 0.0001). Patients with PTA were younger than dPTA/PPA (p = 0.002) or RPA/NF (p < 0.0001). Subsequently, the rate of internistic comorbidities was significantly increased in RPA/NF (p < 0.0001). ROC-analysis identified cut-offs for age <36 years and CRP <15.5mg/dl to distinguish acute bacterial tonsillitis from RPA.

Intraoperative hypotension associated with massive deep space neck abscesses in a 9-month old: A case report

The neck is divided into multiple compartments by cervical fasciae. The deep space compartments, which all have a potential for becoming infected, are interconnected, providing a mechanism for the spread of infections. Thus, infections of the deep spaces can lead to devastating consequences, especially when there is extension to the mediastinum. Here we report a case of intraoperative hypotension in a 9-month-old child with extensive bilateral parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscesses with mediastinal extension with a focus on when hemodynamic monitoring should be considered.

The role of the mean platelet volume and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in peritonsillar abscesses

Introduction

Peritonsillar abscess is a serious infectious disease of the tonsillar tissue. Treatment generally requires both medical and surgical approaches to relieve the symptoms. Recently, in addition to clinical follow-up, some inflammatory markers, such as the mean platelet volume and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, have been considered to be additional inflammatory monitoring markers in inflammatory diseases.

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the role of mean platelet volume and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with peritonsillar abscess.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in 88 patients with peritonsillar abscess and 88 healthy individuals. We analyzed the white blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, C-reactive protein, mean platelet volume and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio values and compared them among the patient and control groups.

Results

The mean platelet volume levels were significantly higher in the peritonsillar abscess pretreatment group than in the peritonsillar abscess posttreatment group and the control group. A mean platelet volume value of 8.7 was the optimal cut-off value for evaluating the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 75%, 65.9%, 68% and 72%, respectively. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio levels were significantly higher in the peritonsillar abscess pretreatment group than in the peritonsillar abscess post-treatment group and the control group. A neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio value of 3.08 was the optimal cut-off value for evaluating the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 90.9%, 90.9%, 90.9% and 90.9%, respectively. While the white blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count and C-reactive protein values were significantly different among the patient and control groups (p < 0.05), the platelet count was not significantly different among the patient and control groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The mean platelet volume and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio values made us think that these parameters were quick, inexpensive and reliable inflammatory follow-up parameters and could be easily integrated into daily practice for peritonsillar abscess treatment except platelet count.

National Trends in Retropharyngeal Abscess among Adult Inpatients with Peritonsillar Abscess

Objectives

To describe national trends in retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) complicating peritonsillar abscess (PTA) and to determine factors associated with RPA in patients with PTA.

Study Design

Cross-sectional analysis.

Setting

Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 2003-2010.

Subjects and Methods

PTA patients ≥18 years old, with or without RPA, were extracted according to ICD-9-CM codes. The cohort was analyzed with descriptive statistics and multivariate regression modeling to identify factors associated with RPA.

Results

Of the 91,647 (95% CI: 86,433-95,449) patients identified with PTA, 885 (1.0%) also had a concurrently coded RPA. The annual rate of concomitant RPA increased from 0.5% (95% CI: 0.3%-0.8%) to 1.4% (95% CI: 1.0%-2.0%) between 2003 and 2010 ( P < .001). PTA patients with RPA more frequently underwent tonsillectomy (23.5% vs 11.1%), endotracheal intubation (7.1% vs 1.5%), and mechanical ventilation (13.2% vs 2.0%) than those without RPA (all P < .001). PTA patients with RPA were significantly older (41 vs 34 years old), had a longer hospital stay (6.4 vs 2.5 days), and had more procedures (2.5 vs 0.9) when compared to patients without RPA (all P < .001). Upon multivariate regression analysis, factors associated with RPA included the age groups of 40 to 64 years (odds ratio, 2.256; P < .001) and 65 and older (odds ratio, 2.086; P = .045). Median total charges for PTA inpatients with concomitant RPA were approximately $8700 greater ( P < .001) when compared to patients with PTA alone.

Conclusions

The incidence of RPA among adult inpatients with PTA is increasing, and patients with RPA have higher in-hospital resource utilization. Further studies may help validate factors predictive of RPA to enable prevention or earlier identification.

Severe neck infections that require wide external drainage: clinical analysis of 17 consecutive cases

Infections in the neck layers and spaces are potentially life-threatening diseases causing further complications, like mediastinitis, airway obstruction, or sepsis. Despite of the need for a conservative approach, they still regularly require surgical intervention. Records of 17 patients with severe neck infections that were treated by wide external incision and open wound management were retrospectively analyzed. The aim of the study was to clinically characterize these most serious neck infections. The most common presenting symptoms were neck pain and tense neck mass (94-94%) regularly with fever (65%), always accompanied by a marked elevation of C reactive protein level (average 192 uG/l). These findings were constant and very similar among both the deep neck infection and necrotizing fasciitis cases. More than half of the patients (53%) had at least one systemic co-morbidity. The parapharyngeal space was most commonly affected (83%), but extended disease involving more than two major neck regions was found in 13 cases (76%). Dental (29%) was the most common primary infection, followed by peritonsillar abscess (23%), Microbiological results showed a wide variety of corresponding bacteria. Mediastinitis was developed in three cases (18%), and airway obstruction requiring tracheostomy in two cases (12%). All the patients survived. Severe neck infections are a heterogenous group of diseases regarding to the primary site of infection, microbiology, localisation and host reaction. However, rapidly developed, painful, tense neck mass with a highly elevated CRP level should always alert for an extended or phlegmonous process in the layers or spaces of the neck.