Bilateral peritonsillar abscesses: relief of upper airway obstruction by quinsy tonsillectomy.

Peritonsillar abscess is the most frequent complication of acute tonsillitis and occurs when the infection spreads outside the tonsillar capsule. It is usually situated in the region of the upper pole and involves the soft palate pushing the tonsils forwards and towards the midline. This condition is usually unilateral and mostly affects young male adults [1]. Early diagnosis, with drainage of the abscess, is crucial to prevent perforation into the parapharyngeal space and further spread along the neck vessels to the mediastinum and skull base. Possible aspiration and severe upper airway obstruction may develop if treatment is delayed. We present a young patient who presented with an unusual manifestation of bilateral peritonsillar abscesses imitating bilateral hypertrophy of the tonsils, causing severe upper airway obstruction.