Ultrasound characteristics of tonsils in children with tonsillitis

Abstract

The goal is to determine the ultrasound criteria of the structure of the tonsils in healthy children and with T using percutaneous high-frequency ultrasound. 67 children aged from 6 to 18 were examined. 19 children were the control group (CG) and 48– with tonsillitis (T). Linear probe scanning of the submandibular area of ​​the neck was performed in the coronal and sagittal planes to obtain transverse and longitudinal images of the tonsils . There were more echographic changes in children with T. First of all, this was related to changes in the echographic structure of tonsils, as following: a decrease in "striation" (47.9 %), an increase in the percentage of hypoechoic (23 %) and hyperechoic according to the structure of tonsils (29.1 %), the presence of a larger number of echopositive inclusions (86.9 %) and an increase capsule vascularization (83.3 %). In patients with T, the echographic dimensions of the tonsils increased (17.6±2.8 longitudinal and 15.4±1.9 mm transverse dimensions) in 87.5 % of patients. An increase in the size and increased vascularization of the submandibular lymph nodes (87.5 %) was also typical. So, sonographic signs of T in children are characterized not only by an increase in the size of the tonsils, but also by significant changes in their internal structure. The method of percutaneous high-frequency ultrasound can be the method of choice for the diagnosis of tonsillitis and a supplement when examining children with this pathology.