The Laryngoscope
-
Comparative Study
Otolaryngology consultation for peritonsillar abscess in the pediatric population.
To assess clinical outcomes of children seen in consultation for peritonsillar abscess treated without the routine use of computed tomography or needle aspiration. ⋯ A significant number of children presenting with odynophagia, malaise, pharyngotonsillar bulge, and decreased oral intake respond to medical therapy without radiological evaluation or surgical intervention. Additionally, younger children (1-6 y) are more likely to respond to medical treatment than older children. Pertinent clinical data, as well as advantages and disadvantages of this approach, are discussed.
-
To evaluate the use of maxillary sinus puncture as a routine diagnostic procedure to exclude or confirm purulent sinusitis in intensive care unit (ICU) patients presenting with fever or a septic state of unknown origin. ⋯ Antral puncture proves to be a simple, fast, safe, inexpensive, and effective procedure for immediate diagnosis of acute nosocomial sinusitis in ICU patients and is therefore recommended as first procedure in these patients, even when only minor clinical abnormalities are present.