Adenotonsillectomy as a treatment option for poststreptococcal uveitis.

OBJECTIVES

To report recurrent uveitis as a manifestation of poststreptococcal syndrome and discuss a role of adenotonsillectomy as a treatment option.

STUDY DESIGN

Case study.

METHODS

A case report of a 6-year-old, otherwise healthy girl with group A streptococcal uveitis managed successfully with adenotonsillectomy.

RESULTS

In the year after surgery there were only two episodes of uveitis, contrasted with a preoperative 3-year history of 8 to 10 annual episodes despite corticosteroid therapy. Moreover, as a result of the postoperative improvement the child was able to avoid impending methotrexate therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the role of tonsillectomy in managing poststreptococcal uveitis is unknown, our results suggest a positive impact independent of the baseline tonsillitis frequency. Otolaryngologists should be aware of these uncommon sequelae of streptococcal infection and the potential role of tonsillectomy in treatment.