Use of computed tomography in the emergency department for the diagnosis of pediatric peritonsillar abscess
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to review our pediatric emergency department's (ED's) utilization of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess (PTA) and treatment outcomes.
METHODS: This study used case series with chart review.
RESULTS: From January 2007 to January 2009, 148 patients were seen in our ED for possible PTA. Mean age at presentation was 11.8 years (range, 10 months to 18 years); 81 (54.7%) of 148 were females. Computed tomography was ordered in 96 (64.9%) of 148 patients, of which 73 (49.3%) 148 were confirmed to have PTA. Mean age of patients who underwent CT was younger when compared with those who did not have CT performed (mean, 11 vs 13 years; P = 0.02). Unilateral PTA was found in 65 (43.9%) of 148, bilateral in 8 (5.4%) of 148, and intratonsillar in 25 patients (16.9%). Concomitant CT findings of parapharyngeal space involvement were found in 19 (12.8%), and retropharyngeal space involvement in 11 (7.4%). Admission was necessary for 104 (71.2%) of 148 patients, whereas 42 were discharged from the ED. Transoral needle aspiration and/or incision and drainage were performed in the ED in 41 patients, with purulence identified in 33 (80.5%) of 41. Rapid strep testing was positive in 40 (32%) of 124 patients tested. Operative treatment was necessary in 44 patients (29.7%), 34 underwent incision and drainage, and 10 underwent quinsy tonsillectomy.
CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography is commonly utilized in the ED for the…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health. Reported size: 148 participants or records.
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