title: Computed tomographic findings in peritonsillar abscess and cellulitis.
abstract: The differentiation of a peritonsillar abscess from peritonsillar cellulitis, although difficult on physical examination, is required in order to determine the appropriate treatment. Peritonsillar cellulitis can be treated with antibiotics alone, while a peritonsillar abscess should be drained. Computed tomography (CT) of the neck is often performed to identify the formation of a deep abscess in the neck, but is rarely used to diagnose peritonsillar infections. We report a patient in whom CT was a useful diagnostic tool for distinguishing peritonsillar abscess from peritonsillar cellulitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Japan.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sakaguchi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sato
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Asawa
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Taguchi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000039:Peritonsillar Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*