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Mediastinitis - a rare complication of a peritonsillar abscess

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

T. R. Nielsen ,
F. Clement  and
U. K. Andreassen
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.
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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.

Keywords

Peritonsillar abscessMediastinitisParapharyngeal abscess
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 110 , Issue 2 , February 1996 , pp. 175 - 176
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1996

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