Absceso periamigdalino bilateral. Reporte de un caso y revisión de las controversias en el diagnóstico y tratamiento / Bilateral peritonsillar abscess. A case report and review of controversies surrounding diagnosis and management

La presentación bilateral del absceso periamigdalino es poco frecuente. Su abordaje es controversial y se discute si realizar amigdalectomía en caliente versus diferida. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino, de 14 años, con odinofagia, trismo y fiebre. Presentaba hipertrofia amigdalina bilateral, pilares abombados y edema de paladar blando. Tomografía computada: hipertrofia amigdalina bilateral, con realce poscontraste, ambas con colección, edema con moderada estenosis faríngea. Se decidió internación para tratamiento endovenoso y amigdalectomía con drenaje bilateral. Resolución completa del cuadro con alta a las 48 horas. Ante la presencia de un absceso periamigdalino, debe considerarse la posibilidad de un absceso contralateral oculto. Debe ser diagnosticado y tratado adecuadamente para prevenir complicaciones. La amigdalectomía en caliente podría ser un tratamiento seguro y debería ser considerado en pacientes que serán sometidos a anestesia para drenaje. La decisión final debe ser determinada para cada caso en particular.

The bilateral presentation of peritonsillar abscess is uncommon. Its management is controversial and it has been argued whether a quinsy tonsillectomy or an interval tonsillectomy should be performed. Here we describe the case of a 14-year-old boy with sore throat, trismus, and fever. He had bilateral tonsillar hypertrophy, convex arches, and soft palate edema. Computed tomography: bilateral tonsillar hypertrophy, with post-contrast enhancement, both with collection, edema with moderate pharyngeal stenosis. The patient was hospitalized for intravenous therapy and tonsillectomy with bilateral drainage resulting in a complete resolution of his condition and discharge at 48 hours. In the presence of a peritonsillar abscess, an unsuspected contralateral abscess should be considered. It should be diagnosed and managed adequately to prevent complications. Quinsy tonsillectomy could be safe and should be considered in patients who will undergo anesthesia for abscess drainage. The final decision should be made for each patient on an individual basis.

Experiencia clínica y manejo de los abscesos periamigdalinos en el Complejo Asistencial Dr. Sótero del Río / Clinical experience and management of peritonsillar abscesses at the Dr. Sótero del Río Health Center

RESUMEN Introducción: El absceso periamigdalino es una causa importante de consulta de urgencia en los servicios de otorrinolaringología. Su manejo incluye tratamientos antibióticos y drenaje del absceso. Objetivo: Describir y analizar las características clínicas, epidemiológicas y manejo de los abscesos periamigdalinos en el Complejo Asistencial Dr. Sótero del Río. Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, incluyendo a todos los pacientes con un absceso periamigdalino entre los años 2013 y 2016. Se analizaron variables epidemiológicas, clínicas, uso de antibióticos, drenajes, y persistencia del cuadro. Resultados: La serie está constituida por 122 pacientes, con una edad promedio de 29 años. Diez y nueve coma seis por ciento corresponde a pacientes pediátricos. La clínica se caracterizó principalmente por odinofagia (62,7%), voz engolada (32%), fiebre (27%) y trismus (27%). Al examen físico, se observó abombamiento del pilar (67,2%), desplazamiento de la úvula (41,8%), trismus (26,2%), y placas blanquecinas sobre la amígdala (18,9%). Este último hallazgo fue más frecuente en la población pediátrica. El 46,2% de los pacientes recibió algún tratamiento antibiótico antes de consultar en el servicio de urgencia, y el 35,7% de los pacientes recibieron corticoides durante la consulta al servicio de urgencia. En la gran mayoría (92%), se realizó un drenaje del absceso, principalmente por incisión (81,7%). Sólo en el 13,1% de los pacientes se requirió un segundo drenaje. Conclusión: El absceso periamigdalino es una causa importante de consulta en los servicios de urgencia, siendo más frecuente en el adulto joven. El drenaje del absceso asociado a un tratamiento antibiótico endovenoso y/o vía oral presenta un excelente pronóstico.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Peritonsillar abscesses are an important cause of emergency consults in the otorhinolaryngology department. Its management includes use of antibiotics and drainage of the abscess. Aim: To describe and analyze the clinical characteristics, epidemiology, and management of peritonsillar abscesses at the Dr. Sótero del Río Health Center. Material and method: Retrospective and descriptive study of all patients presenting with a peritonsillar abscess between the years 2013 and 2016. Variables analyzed include demographics, signs and symptoms, use of antibiotics, drainage, and persistence of the disease. Results: This series includes 122 patients, with a mean age of 29 years; 19.6% are pediatric patients. Clinically, patients presented mainly with odynophagia (62.7%), muffled voice (32%), fever (27%), and trismus (27%). On physical examination, swelling of the tonsillar pillar (67.2%), uvula deviation (41.8%), trismus (26.2%), and white patches on tonsil (18.9%) were observed. The latter finding was more common in children. Forty-six percent of the patients received an antibiotic treatment previous to consulting at the emergency department, and 35.7% received steroids at the emergency department. The majority (92%) had the abscess drained, mainly by incision (81.7%). Only 13.1% of the patients required a second drainage. Conclusion: Peritonsillar abscess is a common presentation at the emergency department, seen primarily in young adults. The prognosis is excellent with drainage of the abscess associated with an intravenous and/or oral antibiotic treatment.

Bacteriology of peritonsillar abscess: the changing trend and predisposing factors / Bacteriologia do abscesso peritonsilar: tendência de mudança e fatores predisponentes

Abstract Introduction: Peritonsillar abscess is the most common deep neck infection. The infectious microorganism may be different according to clinical factors. Objective: To identify the major causative pathogen of peritonsillar abscess and investigate the relationship between the causative pathogen, host clinical factors, and hospitalization duration. Methods: This retrospective study included 415 hospitalized patients diagnosed with peritonsillar abscess who were admitted to a tertiary medical center from June 1990 to June 2013. We collected data by chart review and analyzed variables such as demographic characteristics, underlying systemic disease, smoking, alcoholism, betel nut chewing, bacteriology, and hospitalization duration. Results: A total of 168 patients had positive results for pathogen isolation. Streptococcus viridans (28.57%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (23.21%) were the most common microorganisms identified through pus culturing. The isolation rate of anaerobes increased to 49.35% in the recent 6 years (p = 0.048). Common anaerobes were Prevotella and Fusobacterium spp. The identification of K. pneumoniae increased among elderly patients (age > 65 years) with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.76 (p = 0.03), and decreased in the hot season (mean temperature > 26 °C) (OR = 0.49, p = 0.04). No specific microorganism was associated with prolonged hospital stay. Conclusion: The most common pathogen identified through pus culturing was S. viridans, followed by K. pneumoniae. The identification of anaerobes was shown to increase in recent years. The antibiotics initially selected should be effective against both aerobes and anaerobes. Bacterial identification may be associated with host clinical factors and environmental factors.

Resumo Introdução: O Abscesso Peritonsilar é a infecção cervical profunda mais comum. O microrganismo infeccioso pode ser diferente de acordo com os fatores clínicos. Objetivo: Identificar o principal agente causador do abscesso peritonsilar e investigar a relação entre o patógeno causador, os fatores clínicos do hospedeiro e a duração da hospitalização. Método: Este estudo retrospectivo incluiu 415 pacientes hospitalizados diagnosticados com abscesso peritonsilar que foram internados em um centro médico terciário de junho de 1990 a junho de 2013. Coletamos dados através da análise dos arquivos médicos dos pacientes e analisamos variáveis como características demográficas, doença sistêmica subjacente, tabagismo, alcoolismo, hábito de mascar noz de betel, bacteriologia e duração da hospitalização. Resultados: Um total de 168 pacientes apresentaram resultados positivos para isolamento de patógenos. Streptococcus viridans (28,57%) e Klebsiella pneumoniae (23,21%) foram os microrganismos mais comuns identificados pela cultura da secreção. A taxa de isolamento de anaeróbios aumentou para 49,35% nos últimos 6 anos (p = 0,048). Os anaeróbios comuns foram Prevotella e Fusobacterium spp. A identificação de K. pneumoniae aumentou em pacientes idosos (idade > 65 anos) com razão de chances (Odds Ratio - OR) de 2,76 (p = 0,03) e diminuiu na estação do calor (temperatura média > 26 °C) (OR = 0,49, p = 0,04). Nenhum microrganismo específico foi associado à hospitalização prolongada. Conclusão: O patógeno mais comumente identificado através da cultura de secreção foi S. viridans, seguido por K. pneumoniae. A identificação de anaeróbios mostrou ter aumentado nos últimos anos. Os antibióticos selecionados inicialmente devem ser efetivos contra aeróbios e anaeróbios. A identificação bacteriana pode estar associada a fatores clínicos e fatores ambientais do hospedeiro.

Peritonsillar and deep neck infections: a review of 330 cases / Infecções peritonsilares e cervicais profundas: revisão de 330 casos

Abstract Introduction: Deep neck infections are defined as suppurative infectious processes of deep visceral spaces of the neck. Objective: The aim of this study is to review different factors that may influence peritonsillar and deep neck infections and may play a role as bad prognosis predictors. Methods: We present a retrospective study of 330 patients with deep neck infections and peritonsillar infections who were admitted between January 2005 and December 2015 in a tertiary referral hospital. Statistical analysis of comorbidities, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects was performed with Excel and SPSS. Results: There has been an increase in incidence of peritonsilar and deep neck infections. Systemic comorbidities such as diabetes or hepatopathy are bad prognosis factors. The most common pathogen was S. viridans (32.1% of positive cultures). 100% of the patients received antibiotics and corticosteroids, 74.24% needed surgical treatment. The most common complications were mediastinitis (1.2%) and airway obstruction (0.9%). Conclusion: Systemic comorbidities are bad prognosis predictors. Nowadays mortality has decreased thanks to multidisciplinary attention and improvements in diagnosis and treatment.

Resumo Introdução: Infecções cervicais profundas são definidas como processos infecciosos supurativos dos espaços viscerais profundos do pescoço. Objetivo: Analisar diferentes fatores que podem influenciar as infecções peritonsilares e cervicais profundas que podem desempenhar um papel como preditores de mau prognóstico. Método: Apresentamos um estudo retrospectivo de 330 pacientes portadores de infecções cervicais profundas e de infecções peritonsilares admitidos entre janeiro de 2005 e dezembro de 2015 em um hospital terciário de referência. A análise estatística de comorbidades, aspectos diagnósticos e terapêuticos foi realizada utilizando-se os programas Excel e o SPSS. Resultados: Houve um aumento na incidência de infecções peritonsilares e infecções cervicais profundas. Comorbidades sistêmicas como diabetes ou doença hepática são fatores de mau prognóstico. O patógeno mais comum foi S. viridans (32,1% das culturas positivas). 100% dos pacientes receberam antibióticos e corticosteroides, e 74,24% necessitaram de tratamento cirúrgico. As complicações mais comuns foram mediastinite (1,2%) e obstrução das vias aéreas (0,9%). Conclusão: Comorbidades sistêmicas são preditores de mau prognóstico. Atualmente, a mortalidade diminuiu graças ao cuidado multidisciplinar e melhorias no diagnóstico e tratamento.

Absceso y flegmón periamigdalino: ¿lo estamos haciendo bien? / Abscess and cellulitis peritonsillar: are we doing it right?

El flegmón (celulitis) y el absceso periamigdalino son infecciones difusas o una colección ubicada entre la cápsula fibrosa de la amígdala palatina, las fibras horizontales del músculo constrictor superior de la faringe y las verticales del músculo palatofaríngeo. Constituye la infección de tejidos y espacios profundos del cuello más frecuente. Material y método: Revisión retrospectiva de las fichas de pacientes adultos y niños hospitalizados con diagnóstico de absceso o flegmón periamigdalino en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital San Juan de Dios entre los años 1995 y 2001. Resultados y discusión: Se analizaron 124 pacientes. Se observó un acierto del diagnóstico clínico en 85,5 por ciento de los casos. El 100 por ciento de los pacientes presentó evolución clínica favorable según la modalidad terapéutica indicada. La mayoría de los pacientes con absceso periamigdalino fue tratado con drenaje y antimicrobiano, y los con flegmón periamigdalino con antimicrobiano. El antibiótico utilizado con mayor frecuencia fue penicilina. No existió diferencia significativa al usarlo en esquema asociado. La penicilina sódica sigue siendo un antimicrobiano de primera elección para este cuadro y no requeriría de asociaciones; dosis de 3 millones de Ul cada 6 horas endovenosa pueden ser recomendadas. El tratamiento en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital San Juan de Dios se ciñe a las reglas internacionales.

retrospective study of peritonsillar abscess in riyadh medical complex toward setting up treatment protocol

To investigate and study the management pattern of peritonsillar abscess, the male to female ratio and incidence. Also, to evaluate the causative organism isolated from abscess and reported by culture/sensitivity [C/S]. This study has been designed as a single centered retrospective hospital based study. We carried out this study in the Department of ENT, Riyadh Medical Complex, Saudi Arabia from 2000 to 2004. We gathered the data via survey [5 years]. There were 81 patients admitted for the management of peritonsillar abscess. Mean age of patients was 22 years [range 10 to 60 years; 44 male, 37 female]. The hospital stay varies from 1-8 days with a mean of 4 days. The left side is more involved. Treatment consisted mainly incision/drainage under local anesthetic in 47 patients [58%], while 5 cases [6%] were carried out under general anesthetic. Aspiration and conservative treatment was noted in 25 [31%] cases, abscess tonsillectomy was carried out in 3 [4%] cases. The most common microorganisms isolated from C/S is Group A beta hemolytic streptococcus [17/81 [21%]]. Penicillin G + Flagyl [49/81 [60%]] were the most common antibiotics used. No case of bilateral peritonsillar abscess was found and there is no consensus regarding the best technique. Options include needle aspiration, incision and drainage and immediate tonsillectomy. Peritonsillar abscess remain one of the acute admission in the Department of Otolaryngology at Riyadh Medical Complex, Riyadh. Incision/drainage remains the gold standard treatment, Penicillin G + Flagyl combinations are the cornerstones

Peritonsillar Abscess in a 40-Day-Old Infant

A peritonsillar abscess is one of the most commonly occurring deep space infections of the head and neck in adults and children. A peritonsillar abscess that appears in newborns, however, is extremely rare. The treatment of a peritonsillar abscess requires both the selection of appropriate antibiotics and the best procedure to remove the abscessed material. We report a case of a peritonsillar abscess in a 40-day-old infant who was treated with antibiotic therapy alone.

Absceso parafaríngeo: revisión bibliográfica y exposición de un caso clínico / Parapharyngeal abscess: bibliographic revision and presentation of a clinical case

El absceso parafaríngeo es la segunda localización más frecuente de los abscesos profundos del cuello. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 37 años a quien se le diagnosticó un absceso parafaríngeo izquierdo, sin puerta aparente de entrada del foco séptico. Se logró el control y la curación del enfermo con tratamiento antibiótico, no requiriendo cirugía. Se revisa el tema en lo referente a la etiología, cuadro clínico, fisiopatología, diagnóstico, tratamiento y complicaciones.