Peritonsillar Abscess: Sensitivity and Specificity

Introduction: None written.

The sensitivity and specificity of findings for Peritonsillar Abscess are listed below. See the left navigation bar to change the display.

Pre-Test Probability (Prevalence): %.	Post-Test Probability (Predictive Value): %.	Switch to display mode.
Note that calculating probabilities from more than one** finding is inherently inaccurate because findings are not independent. (For example, using two positive findings that share a common pathogenesis is likely to overestimate the true probability.)


Finding	Result	Sensitivity	Specificity
[ + ] Clinical diagnosis	+ 0 -	78%	50%
Study: J Laryngol Otol. 1999 Mar;113(3):229-32. PMID: 10435129
[ + ] Deviated uvula		No accuracy specified.
Study: no study specified.
[ + ] Dysphagia		No accuracy specified.
Study: no study specified.
[ + ] Fullness of the anterior tonsillar pillar		No accuracy specified.
Study: no study specified.
[ + ] Hot potato voice		No accuracy specified.
Study: no study specified.
[ + ] Intraoral Ultrasound	+ 0 -	89%	79%
Range sensitivity 89-95%, specificity 79-100% Study: Clin Otolaryngol. 2012 Apr;37(2):136-45. PMID: 22321140 J Laryngol Otol. 1999 Mar;113(3):229-32. PMID: 10435129
[ + ] Neck CT	+ 0 -	100%	75%
Study: J Laryngol Otol. 1999 Mar;113(3):229-32. PMID: 10435129
[ + ] Sore throat		No accuracy specified.
Study: no study specified.
[ + ] Trismus		No accuracy specified.
Trismus is inability to open the jaw Study: no study specified.