title: Tonsil ultrasound: technical approach and spectrum of pediatric peritonsillar infections.
abstract: Peritonsillar infections are one of the most common deep neck space infections, particularly in adolescents. Inaccurate diagnosis can lead to delay in management and potentially life-threatening complications. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the neck traditionally has been used to diagnose suspected peritonsillar abscess. With growing concern over radiation exposure, there has been increasing utilization of ultrasound (US) using intraoral and transcutaneous approaches. We chose the transcutaneous US technique due to its ease of performance in children. The purpose of this article is twofold: a) to describe our technique of performing transcutaneous US of the tonsil showing sonographic appearance of normal tonsil, highlighting pertinent anatomy and unique considerations for this modality in children, and b) to illustrate the sonographic findings in the spectrum of pediatric peritonsillar infections, which includes uncomplicated tonsillitis, peritonsillar cellulitis, small intratonsillar abscess and frank peritonsillar abscess. Parapharyngeal abscess can sometimes be detected.
authors.affiliation: Division of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA. anjumnb@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Anjum N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Bandarkar
authors.affiliation: Division of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: Adebunmi O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Adeyiga
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
authors.forename: M Taylor
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Fordham
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: Diego
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Preciado
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: Brian K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Reilly
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D000039:Peritonsillar Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media
keywords: Abscess; Children; Infection; Peritonsillar infection; Tonsil; Ultrasound