Peritonsillar abscess due to temporomandibular joint septic arthritis: an uncommon cause of a common disease

Abstract

Peritonsillar abscess is a common presentation of complicated acute tonsillitis. The temporomandibular joint septic arthritis is an uncommon clinical entity while its complications are further rare. We present a case of a man in his late 30s who presented with a painful swelling in the left preauricular region along with increasing trismus. A diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess due to septic arthritis was made based on clinical history and examination. Patient recovered fully after antibiotic and abscess drainage. This is the first case report of temporomandibular septic arthritis leading to peritonsillar abscess.