Toxic shock syndrome.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a severe multi-system disorder resulting from a Staphylococcus aureus exotoxin. Primary presenting features consist of fever, hypotension, vomiting and diarrhea, and a diffuse macular erythroderma with later desquamation. Treatment is supportive accompanied by drainage and debridement of infection and antibiotics. TSS may occur following any infection with Staphylococcus aureus and is a well-documented complication of nasal surgery. Otolaryngologists should be aware of the manifestations of this disorder and its treatment. A case is presented, along with a review of the literature and management of TSS.