Hair, there, and everywhere: Peritonsillar abscess formation initiated by pet hair ingestion

Abstract

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a common diagnosis, yet the pathogenesis is not clearly defined.This is the first reported case of hair-containing abscess in the peritonsillar space. An eight-year-old male presented with classical symptoms for PTA. During operative drainage, aspiration revealed hair protruding from the peritonsillar space. Further dissection demonstrates a 1.5cm soft tissue material admixed with a collection of terminal hair. Imaging was negative for mass. This case supports a hypothesis for PTA formation in which blockage of Weber's salivary glands located superolateral to the palatine tonsil leads to infection and suppuration of the peritonsillar space.

Keywords

• Pediatrics
• Tonsilitis
• Peritonsillar abscess
• Foreign body