Tonsillar Inflammation, a Rare Cause of Bradycardia and Hypotension

Abstract

Tonsillitis is a frequently encountered pathology in the outpatient setting, usually caused by viruses [1]. When bacterial, the most common causatory microbe is streptococcus group A [1]. Tonsillar and peritonsillar abscess (PTA) on the other hand are never viral, and are usually caused by streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus melleri, fusobacterium necrophorum and staphylococci [1,2]. The overall incidence of PTA is suggested to be 37/100,000 patients, with the highest incidence between ages 14-21 at 124/100,000 [3].