Presentation
Throat pain and fever.
Patient Data
Bulky bilateral palatine tonsils with thick-walled necrotic collection on left side, showing peripheral enhancement on post-contrast study. DWI typically shows hyperintense necrotic core. Mild compression of airway is seen with surrounding fat stranding, inflammation in left parapharyngeal and retromolar trigone.
Enlarged bilateral level II lymph nodes seen.
Case Discussion
Above findings demonstrate the characteristic appearance of a peritonsillar abscess. Important to note that jugular veins are patent in this case. They are often thrombosed in such cases.
The patient was operated the next day and the diagnosis of abscess was confirmed. Pus was drained, the patient was put on antibiotics and is now recovering well.