Use of Ultrasound in the Differential Diagnosis of Peritonsillar Infections

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of ultrasound as a noninvasive and inexpensive method of diagnosis, differentiating peritonsillar abscess from peritonsillar cellulitis. Methods: Thirty-nine patients with a clinical diagnosis of peritonsillar infection, 24 females and 15 males (age range, 7 to 44 years), were evaluated in the Clinical Hospital of Sao Paulo University Medical School, in the Otolaryngology Emergency Service. These patients were evaluated with intraoral and percutaneous ultrasound. Needle aspiration was used to compare and confirm the diagnosis. Results: The ultrasound showed 69.3% of the patients with peritonsillar abscess and 30.7% with peritonsillar cellulitis. The sensitivity was 96% and the specificity was 78.5%. Conclusion: The authors conclude that ultrasonography performed by a experienced radiologist proved to be a efficient method in the differential diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess and peritonsillar cellulitis.