A 25-year-old presents with fever, sore throat, 'hot potato voice,' drooling, and uvular deviation to the left. He has trismus. The most likely diagnosis is:
- A Retropharyngeal abscess
- B Ludwig's angina
- C Quinsy (peritonsillar abscess) on the right side ✓
- D Parapharyngeal abscess
Correct answer: C. Quinsy (peritonsillar abscess) on the right side
Explanation
Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy) classically presents with 'hot potato voice' (muffled, dysphonic speech), drooling, trismus (pterygoid muscle involvement), and deviation of the uvula away from the affected side as the peritonsillar pus pushes the soft palate and uvula. The uvula deviates contralaterally — so left uvular deviation indicates right-sided quinsy. Treatment is incision and drainage plus antibiotics; needle aspiration is an acceptable alternative.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.