A 30-year-old man presents with fever, severe throat pain, and difficulty opening his mouth for 3 days. Examination reveals trismus, bulging of the anterior pillar, and deviation of the uvula to the opposite side. The most likely diagnosis is:

• A Acute tonsillitis
• B Retropharyngeal abscess
• C Parapharyngeal abscess
• D Peritonsillar abscess ✓

Explanation

The classic triad of trismus, bulging of the anterior pillar, and uvular deviation to the opposite side is diagnostic of peritonsillar abscess (quinsy). Acute tonsillitis does not cause trismus or uvular deviation. Parapharyngeal abscess causes medial displacement of the lateral pharyngeal wall and tonsils, not anterior pillar bulging. Retropharyngeal abscess presents with neck stiffness and posterior pharyngeal wall swelling, not trismus or anterior pillar involvement.

Reference: Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.