Herpes simplex infection causing acute necrotizing tonsillitis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and pathologic features of acute herpetic tonsillitis and to compare the histologic findings with those of herpetic lymphadenitis. DESIGN: We present a case report of a 22-year-old woman with bilateral cervical adenopathy, acute tonsillitis, and suspected peritonsillar abscess. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Histologic examination of the excised tonsils demonstrated discrete necrotic areas that contained cells with intranuclear viral inclusions. RESULTS: The diagnosis of herpetic tonsillitis was confirmed by demonstrating herpes simplex virus (HSV)-infected cells on paraffin section immunostains and by positive HSV cultures of the tonsillar tissue. CONCLUSION: HSV infection is an uncommon cause of acute tonsillitis; the histologic findings are similar to those seen in herpes simplex lymphadenitis.