PANCE Blueprint EENT (6%)

Infectious and inflammatory disorders (PEARLS)

NCCPA™ PANCE EENT Content BlueprintOropharyngeal disorders ⇒ Infectious and inflammatory disorders

Angioedema
Patient will present as → a 40-year-old female presents with rapid onset of lip, tongue, and throat swelling, with difficulty breathing and swallowing. She was recently started on an ACE inhibitor for hypertension. Examination reveals marked swelling of the lips and tongue with mild stridor, but no rash. The presentation suggests ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema. Immediate treatment includes discontinuation of the ACE inhibitor, and administration of subcutaneous epinephrine, intravenous corticosteroids, and antihistamines. The patient is monitored for airway compromise and prepared for possible intubation. She is advised to avoid ACE inhibitors and is switched to an alternative antihypertensive medication. Follow-up includes referral to an allergist.

Angioedema is localized swelling of the deeper layers of the skin and mucous membranes due to increased vascular permeability

  • Non-pitting, non-itchy swelling typically affecting the face, lips, tongue, and throat
  • Can involve the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, causing difficulty breathing or abdominal pain
  • Common causes include allergic reactions, medications (especially ACE inhibitors), hereditary angioedema (C1 inhibitor deficiency), and idiopathic
  • Rapid onset and can be life-threatening if airway obstruction occurs
  • Hereditary angioedema presents with recurrent episodes and may not respond to typical allergy treatments

DX: Diagnosed clinically, but C4 and C1 inhibitor levels can help diagnose hereditary angioedema

TX: Immediate management includes securing the airway and treating allergic causes with epinephrine, antihistamines, and corticosteroids

  • C1 inhibitor concentrate or bradykinin receptor antagonists for hereditary angioedema

Angioedema2013

Angioedema of the tongue

Aphthous ulcers (ReelDx)
ReelDx Virtual Rounds (Aphthous ulcers)
Patient will present as → a 22-year-old complaining of a painful sore for 2 days.  He denies any alcohol or tobacco use and otherwise feels fine. The examination is significant for a 2-mm round ulceration with a yellow-gray center surrounded by a red halo on the left buccal mucosa

Single or multiple small, shallow ulcers with a yellow-gray fibrinoid center with red halos

DX: Diagnosis is made by history and clinical presentation

  • Biopsy should be considered for ulcers lasting more than 3 weeks
  • Rule out an oral manifestation of systemic disease: More likely if persists >3 wk or associated with constitutional symptoms.  Focus on symptoms of eyes, mouth, genitalia, skin, GI tract, allergy, diet history, and physical exam

TX: viscous lidocaine 2–5% applied to ulcer QID after meals until healed

Candidiasis (ReelDx)
ReelDx Virtual Rounds (Oral Candidiasis)
Patient will present as → a 3-week-old infant with decreased appetite and a rash in her mouth. On physical exam, you note white plaques on her tongue that scrape off with a tongue depressor and bleed slightly. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation of the scrapings demonstrates budding yeasts with hyphae.

Immunocompromised, young patients

  • Painful, white, fluffy patches that can be scraped off and may bleed when scraped (candidiasis can "come off"), leaving an erythematous, friable base

DX: Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) prep for diagnosis

TX: Antifungals, which are available in several forms (i.e., ketoconazole or fluconazole orally, clotrimazole troches, nystatin liquid rinses)

Deep neck infection
Patient will present as → a 51-year-old male patient who underwent extraction of the mandibular right third molar. Seven days after the surgery, the patient developed facial edema, fever, intraoral purulent discharge, and extreme local pain.  Infectious cavities in the right and left submandibular, pterygomandibular, and pharyngeal regions were observed on computed tomography scans.

Deep neck space infections most commonly arise from a septic focus of the mandibular teeth, tonsils, parotid gland, deep cervical lymph nodes, middle ear, or sinuses

  • Classic manifestations of these infections include high fever, systemic toxicity, and local signs of erythema, edema, and fluctuance
  • The most common organisms isolated from deep neck space infections are viridans streptococci

DX: Computed tomography (CT) is the imaging modality of choice for the diagnosis of deep neck space infection

  • MRI is useful for assessing the extent of soft tissue involvement and for delineating vascular complications

TX: Antibiotics, aspiration or surgical drainage should be performed

Minor trauma triggering cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis from an odontogenic abscess. Image by Jain S, Nagpure PS, Singh R, Garg D - CC 2.0

Dental abscess
Patient will present as → a 30-year-old female presents with a severe toothache, swelling, and difficulty chewing for three days. She has a throbbing pain localized to the lower left molar, cheek swelling, and a bad taste in her mouth, along with a low-grade fever. Examination reveals a swollen, erythematous area around the lower left molar with fluctuance and purulent discharge. She is diagnosed with a dental abscess. Treatment includes incision and drainage, oral antibiotics (amoxicillin or clindamycin), and warm saltwater rinses. She is referred to a dentist for definitive care such as a root canal or extraction. Pain is managed with NSAIDs or acetaminophen, and follow-up is scheduled to ensure resolution and further dental treatment.

Dental Abscess is a localized collection of pus in the teeth or gums due to bacterial infection.

  • Caused by dental caries, trauma, or periodontal disease
  • Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that may radiate to the jaw, neck, or ear
  • Swelling in the face or cheek, tender lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck
  • Fever, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth
  • The most common causative organisms are streptococci, staphylococci, and anaerobic bacteria

DX: clinical examination and dental X-rays

TX: Treatment involves draining the abscess via incision and drainage or root canal, antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, clindamycin), and pain management (e.g., NSAIDs)

  • Complications can include spread of infection to surrounding tissues, leading to cellulitis or osteomyelitis, and systemic involvement such as sepsis
  • Preventive measures include good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and prompt treatment of dental caries and periodontal disease

Cracked tooth lateral periodontal abscess

A crack (vertical fracture) in the tooth and root (green arrows) has split it into two even pieces, causing a lateral periodontal abscess (blue arrows).

Dental Caries Dental Caries is the decay of tooth enamel and dentin caused by bacterial activity

  • The primary causative bacteria are Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species
  • Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, frequent consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks, and reduced salivary flow
  • Presents as white spots, brown spots, or visible holes on the tooth surface; may cause tooth pain or sensitivity

DX: Based on visual inspection, dental radiographs, and clinical examination

TX: Ranges from fluoride applications for early lesions to dental fillings, crowns, or root canals for more advanced decay

  • Preventive measures include regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and dietary modifications
  • Severe cases may require tooth extraction if the decay is extensive

© barks / Adobe Stock

Epiglottitis
Patient will present as → a 3-year-old who is brought into the emergency room by her parents. The child has had a high fever, sore throat, and stridor. She has a muffled voice and is sitting up on the stretcher, drooling while leaning forward with her neck extended. The patient’s parents are adamantly against vaccinations, claiming that they are a “government conspiracy.” You order a lateral neck x-ray, which shows a swollen epiglottis. The patient recovered following treatment with prednisone and ceftriaxone.

Epiglottitis is supraglottic inflammation and obstruction of the airway due to infection with Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)

  • Unvaccinated patient leaning forward, drooling, stridor, and distress (tripod position and muffled voice)

The 3 D's of epiglottitis:

  • Dysphagia
  • Drooling
  • Respiratory Distress

DX: Secure airway, then culture for H.flu

  •  The classic finding is a thumbprint sign on a lateral neck x-ray from swelling

TX: This is a medical emergency! Secure airway, admit, IV Ceftriaxone, and IV fluids

Gingivitis
Patient will present as → a 30-year-old female with bleeding gums while brushing, persistent bad breath, and a metallic taste in her mouth. She notes her gums are red and swollen and admits to inconsistent oral hygiene. Examination reveals erythematous, swollen gums that bleed on probing and plaque buildup. The diagnosis of gingivitis is made. Management includes a professional dental cleaning and education on proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and antiseptic mouthwash. She is advised to have regular dental check-ups every six months. Follow-up is scheduled to monitor improvement and prevent progression to periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gingiva (gums) caused by plaque accumulation

  • Characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily during brushing or flossing
  • Caused by poor oral hygiene, leading to plaque buildup and bacterial colonization
  • Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, certain medications, hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy, puberty), and systemic diseases
  • Symptoms include tender gums, bad breath (halitosis), and gum recession

DX: Clinical examination by a dentist or periodontist, observing signs of inflammation and measuring periodontal pockets

TX: Dental cleaning, improved oral hygiene practices, and address underlying conditions or risk factors

  • Preventive measures include good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings

Gingivitis-before

Gingivitis

Oral herpes simplex (ReelDx)
ReelDx Virtual Rounds (Oral herpes simplex)
Patient will present as → a 17-year-old female complaining of a painful rash on her cheek. She says that it has come and gone a few times before and that she usually can feel itching and a tingling discomfort before a break out of the lesions. On physical exam, you observe clusters of small, tense vesicles on an erythematous base.

HSV type 1, vesicular lesions all in the same stage of development, a prodromal period of tingling discomfort or itching

DX: Diagnosis is clinical; laboratory confirmation by culture, PCR, direct immunofluorescence, or serologic testing can be done

TX: Symptomatic treatment with antipyretics and analgesia is recommended. IV hydration is sometimes needed in cases of decreased oral intake

  • Oral acyclovir (15 mg/kg/dose five times per day for 7–10 days; max 200 mg per dose) may decrease the duration of illness if started within 72 hours at the onset of symptoms

Laryngitis
Patient will present as → a 27-year-old mezzo-soprano who states that she developed acute hoarseness 2 days ago. Prior to that, she had a cold, the symptoms of which are improving. There is no history of smoking or other tobacco use. She is very worried as she has an upcoming performance 3 days from now.

Almost always viral, hoarseness following a URI

  • M.cat, H.flu
  • Consider squamous cell carcinoma if hoarseness persists > 2 weeks, history of ETOH and or smoking
  • Absence of pain or sore throat

DX: clinical diagnosis ⇒ laryngoscopy is required for symptoms persisting > 3 wk

TX: Relax voice (vocal rest), supportive therapy

  • Oral or IM corticosteroids may also hasten recovery for performers but requires vocal fold evaluation before starting therapy
  • Bacterial → erythromycin, cefuroxime, or Augmentin for cough or hoarseness
Peritonsillar abscess (ReelDx)
ReelDx Virtual Rounds (Peritonsillar abscess)
Patient will present as → a 19-year-old male who you are seeing for follow-up from the urgent care where he was seen 2 days earlier with a sore throat. The patient is febrile (102°F), has a muffled (hot potato) voice, and extreme difficulty opening his mouth (trismus). He opens it just far enough for you to note uvular deviation.

A peritonsillar abscess results from the penetration of infection through the tonsillar capsule and the involvement of neighboring tissue

  • Presents with a severe sore throat, lateral uvula displacement, bulging tonsillar pillar
  • Hot potato (muffled) voice and deviation of the uvula to one side
  • + Streptococcus pyogenes

DX: Xray, CT, or ultrasound of the neck if the diagnosis is in doubt, particularly when the condition must be differentiated from a parapharyngeal infection or other deep neck infection

  • All such patients require needle aspiration of the tonsillar mass and cultures. Aspiration of pus differentiates abscess from cellulitis

TX: Aspiration, incision and drainage, and/or antibiotics

  • Parenteral (IV) amoxicillin, amoxicillin-sulbactam, and clindamycin
  • In less severe cases, oral antibiotics can be used for 7 to 10 days (i.e., amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, clindamycin)
  • Tonsillectomy may also be considered in about 10% of patients

Pharyngitis (ReelDx)
ReelDx Virtual Rounds (Acute pharyngitis)
Patient will present as → a 7-year-old boy is brought to his pediatrician for evaluation of a sore throat. The sore throat began 4 days ago and has progressively worsened. Associated symptoms include subjective fever, pain with swallowing, and fatigue. The patient denies cough or rhinorrhea. Vital signs are as follows: T 101.4 F, HR 88, BP 115/67, RR 14, and SpO2 99%. Physical examination is significant for purulent tonsillar exudate; no cervical lymphadenopathy is noted.

Most cases of pharyngitis are viral - adenovirus is the most common cause

  • Mononucleosis: Epstein Barr virus, fever, sore throat, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, atypical lymphocytes, + heterophile agglutination test (monospot)
  • Consider gonorrhea pharyngitis in patients with recent sexual encounters or with non-resolving pharyngitis
  • Fungal in patients using inhaled steroids
  • Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis: S. pyogenes

DX: Centor Score for Strep Pharyngitis (MDCalc): 1. Absence of a cough, 2. exudates, 3. fever (> 100.4 F), 4. cervical lymphadenopathy

  • If  3 out of 4 Centor criteria are met, get a rapid streptococcal test (sensitivity > 90%)
  • If negative → throat culture is the gold standard
  • NOT suggestive of strep are coryza, hoarseness, and cough

TX:

  • Viral: supportive
  • Mononucleosis: Symptomatic and avoid contact sports; antibiotics such as amoxicillin or ampicillin may cause a rash
    • For athletes planning to resume non-contact sports three weeks from symptom onset
    • For strenuous contact sports four weeks after illness onset
  • Fungal: clotrimazole, miconazole, or nystatin
  • Group A Strep: Penicillin is first line, azithromycin if penicillin-allergic
  • Gonorrhea pharyngitis: follows the same principles for the approach to therapy of uncomplicated urogenital gonococcal infections
    • Ceftriaxone 500 mg IM as a single dose for persons weighing <150 kg (300 lb)
      • For persons weighing ≥150 kg (300 lb), 1 g of IM ceftriaxone should be administered
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