Management of spontaneous tonsillar bleeding: review.

OBJECTIVE

To formulate a management plan for spontaneous tonsillar bleeding.

METHOD

A Medline search was performed and all literature reviewed.

RESULTS

Seventeen publications were identified worldwide, describing 55 cases of spontaneous tonsillar bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Although spontaneous tonsillar bleeding is a rare presentation, it is documented in the literature. Reported cases indicate an increased incidence in young patients, associated with a higher mortality rate. We propose a management plan for this potentially fatal condition.