Management of spontaneous tonsillar bleeding: review

J Laryngol Otol. 2010 May;124(5):470-3. doi: 10.1017/S0022215109992696. Epub 2010 Jan 19.

Abstract

Objective: To formulate a management plan for spontaneous tonsillar bleeding.

Method: A Medline search was performed and all literature reviewed.

Results: Seventeen publications were identified worldwide, describing 55 cases of spontaneous tonsillar bleeding.

Conclusion: Although spontaneous tonsillar bleeding is a rare presentation, it is documented in the literature. Reported cases indicate an increased incidence in young patients, associated with a higher mortality rate. We propose a management plan for this potentially fatal condition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Algorithms
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Hemorrhage / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Palatine Tonsil*
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / etiology
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / therapy*
  • Tonsillectomy
  • Tonsillitis / complications
  • Tonsillitis / surgery