[Bilateral peritonsillar abscess in children: case report].

Peritonsillar abscess is the most common complication of acute bacterial tonsillitis, defined as the presence of purulent exudate between the peritonsillar capsule and the superior constrictor muscle of the pharynx. Usually, its presentation is unilateral; its bilateral involvement is rare. It is more common in adults, being uncommon in children. Clinically, it presents odynophagia, trismus, sialorrhea, fever, guttural voice, symptoms that it shares with the unilateral abscess, evidencing in the physical examination bulging of both anterior pillars, edema of the uvula and soft palate, but without asymmetries of pharyngeal structures. A high level of clinical suspicion is required to achieve early diagnosis. The management of the airway, which could be difficult, is an important aspect in the treatment. It is reported the clinical case of a child with bilateral peritonsillar abscess, the diagnostic and therapeutic process.