Feasibility of the visualization of tonsillary abscesses by transcervical ultrasound

Introduction Intra- and peritonsillar abscesses are among the most common infections of the neck’s soft tissues. To identify the appropriate treatment, a distinction between peritonsillar cellulitis and abscess is essential. Ultrasound is a valuable method to identify abscesses and can be helpful in therapy decisions.

Aim This study aims to determine the feasibility of transcervical ultrasound for abscess visualization in the palatal tonsillar region.

Material and Methods Retrospective analysis of patients presented to a tertiary hospital and academic center with clinical symptoms and confirmed abscess formation either intraoperatively or by incision and drainage. All patients received a transcervical ultrasound of both tonsillar fossa preoperative by otolaryngologists.

Results In the abscess tonsillectomy group two hundred two tonsils were investigated by transcervical ultrasound with a sensitivity of 85 % and 99 % specificity in this selected cohort. We found a 93 % sensitivity for intra- and an 83 % sensitivity for peritonsillar- abscess concerning different abscess localizations. Furthermore, in 82 %, the ultrasound findings corresponded to the given diagnosis after tonsillectomy regarding the occurrence and the localization of an abscess.

Conclusion We can confirm the feasibility for the detection of tonsil abscess by ultrasound. Due to the reliability regarding the presence of tonsil abscesses, we recommend transcervical ultrasound as a possibility to confirm a present abscess formation.

Poster-PDF A-1231.pdf

Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021