Infectious mononucleosis and bilateral peritonsillar abscesses resulting in airway obstruction.
Upper airway obstruction is an uncommon but recognized complication of infectious mononucleosis. The management depends upon the degree of airway compromise. In the case described, severe airway obstruction was treated by securing the airway with awake fibre-optic endoscopic intubation and then proceeding to tonsillectomy. Bilateral inferiorly loculated quinsies were encountered unexpectedly and drained. This is the first report of 'bilateral' quinsies, associated with infectious mononucleosis and severe airway obstruction. The association, pathogenesis and significance of this finding are also discussed.
Burstin
P P
PP
Department of Otolaryngology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Marshall
C L
CL
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007244:Infectious Mononucleosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D008297:Male; D000039:Peritonsillar Abscess / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014068:Tonsillectomy
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D004917:Erythromycin; D003907:Dexamethasone