Indications for Tonsillectomy in Infectious Mononucleosis

Abstract

We read with interest the recent report, "Acute Airway Obstruction in Infectious Mononucleosis."1 Dr. Gutgesell appropriately has called attention to a serious complication of a usually benign disease. He mentions brief, high-dose corticosteroid therapy, tracheotomy, nasotracheal intubation, and IPPB as potential modes of therapy. The following case report suggests an additional therapeutic modality in the management of these patients. A 4-year-old girl was admitted to a community hospital in acute respiratory distress associated with suspected infectious mononucleosis.