Question
Regarding “Quinsy” all of the following are correct EXCEPT:
| A. |
It is an abscess in the peritonsillar region
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| B. |
Severe trismus is caused by spasm induced by pterygoid muscles
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| C. |
Pus may be seen pointing underneath the thin mucosa in all cases and is diagnostic
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| D. |
In early stage, intravenous broad spectrum antibiotics may resolve it
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Show Answer
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Correct Answer » C
Explanation
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|
- Quinsy progresses from peritonsillar cellulitis to peritonsillar abscess.
- Visible pointing of pus is not seen in all cases.
- Many patients present with diffuse swelling of the anterior pillar and soft palate without obvious pointing.
- Therefore, the absence of visible pus does not exclude quinsy, and the presence of pointing is not essential for diagnosis.
- Diagnosis is primarily based on the clinical features and may be confirmed by needle aspiration if required.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
A. It is an abscess in the peritonsillar space between the tonsillar capsule and the superior constrictor muscle.
- Correct.
- Quinsy is a collection of pus in the peritonsillar space, located between the tonsillar capsule and the superior constrictor muscle.
B. Severe trismus is caused by spasm of the medial pterygoid muscle.
- Correct.
- Trismus occurs due to irritation and reflex spasm of the medial pterygoid muscle, which lies close to the peritonsillar space.
D. In the early stage (peritonsillar cellulitis), intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics may lead to resolution without surgical drainage.
- Correct.
- During the cellulitis stage, before a well-formed abscess develops, treatment with intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics may result in complete resolution.
- Once an abscess forms, needle aspiration or incision and drainage becomes the treatment of choice. The uploaded notes list incision and drainage as the standard treatment for established quinsy.
