COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN PERITONSILLAR ABSCESS AND CELLULITIS

The differentiation of a peritonsillar abscess from peritonsillar cell ulitis, although difficult on physical examination, is required in ord er to determine the appropriate treatment. Peritonsillar cellulitis ca n be treated with antibiotics alone, while a peritonsillar abscess sho uld be drained. Computed tomography (CT) of the neck is often performe d to identify the formation of a deep abscess in the neck, but is rare ly used to diagnose peritonsillar infections. We report a patient in w hom CT was a useful diagnostic tool for distinguishing peritonsillar a bscess from peritonsillar cellulitis.