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Peritonsillar haematoma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

N. Fergie*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Victoria Infirmary N.H.S. Trust, Glasgow, UK.
A. Murray
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Victoria Infirmary N.H.S. Trust, Glasgow, UK.
R. A. Kell
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Victoria Infirmary N.H.S. Trust, Glasgow, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: Mr N. Fergie, Department of Otolaryngology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, ManchesterM13 9WH.

Abstract

We present one patient who was admitted with a peritonsillar haematoma as a complication of acute tonsillitis and concomitant warfarin therapy for prosthetic aortic valves. While tonsillar haemorrhage as a result of acute tonsillitis has been well described, no cases of isolated haematoma formation have been documented, nor has it been recognized previously as a complication of long-term anticoagulant therapy. We discuss establishing the diagnosis, the likely aetiology and implications of this complication.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1997

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