Pediatric Peritonsillar Abscess

  • Etiology: Most commonly caused by beta-hemolytic Streptococci
  • Imaging CT:
    — Not able to reliably differentiate peritonsillar abscess from phlegmon but large size of greater than 4.4 cubic centimeters is highly suggestive of abscess
    — Often causes compression of ipsilateral jugular vein and carotid artery
  • DDX:
  • Complications:
  • Treatment: Antibiotics
  • Clinical:
    — Most common deep infection of head and neck
    — Typically present with fever, sore throat, dysphagia, trismus, hot potato voice

Radiology Cases of Peritonsillar Abscess

CT of peritonsillar abscess
Axial (above), coronal (below left) and sagittal (below right) CT with contrast of the neck show an enlarged left palatine tonsil with a low density round lesion lateral to it and associated inflammatory change in the left parapharyngeal space.