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Parapharyngeal abscess: diagnosis, complications and management in adults

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Head & Neck volume 262, pages 345–350 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Parapharyngeal abscess may cause life-threatening complications. Peritonsillar abscess and tonsillitis may result in parapharyngeal abscess. Since the introduction of antibiotics, the incidence of parapharyngeal abscess secondary to tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess has decreased dramatically. We present five cases of parapharyngeal abscess resulting from tonsillitis and peritonsillar infection extending to the parapharyngeal space in adult patients. Two were complicated by mediastinitis despite early treatment by wide spectrum antibiotics. We believe that early diagnosis and aggressive antibiotic treatment with early surgical drainage in cases associated with pus collection are the key points in preventing serious and fatal complications. We emphasize the diagnostic role of computerized tomography (CT) scan and the importance of early and proper drainage of these abscesses.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of ENT, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK

    A. Alaani, H. Griffiths, S. S. Minhas & A. B. Drake Lee

  2. Department of Radiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

    J. Olliff

Authors
  1. A. Alaani
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  2. H. Griffiths
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  3. S. S. Minhas
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  4. J. Olliff
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  5. A. B. Drake Lee
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Correspondence to A. Alaani.

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Alaani, A., Griffiths, H., Minhas, S.S. et al. Parapharyngeal abscess: diagnosis, complications and management in adults. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 262, 345–350 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-004-0800-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-004-0800-6

Keywords

  • Parapharyngeal abscess
  • Quinsy
  • Peritonsillar abscess
  • Tonsillitis
  • Mediastinitis