SHORT REPORT

PFAPA syndrome in children evaluated for tonsillectomy

E Galanakis¹, C E Papadakis², E Giannoussi¹, A D Karatzanis², M Bitsori¹ and E S Helidonis²

¹ Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
² Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital of Heraklion

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr E Galanakis, Department of Paediatrics, University of Crete, PO Box 1393, 715 00 Heraklion, Greece;
egalanak{at}med.uoc.gr

Among 40 children undergoing tonsillectomy for recurrent pharyngitis, 15 (37.5%) had presented preoperatively with complaints compatible with PFAPA syndrome. All 15 had had periodic fever every three to four weeks and pharyngitis; 12 (80%) had cervical adenitis and five (33%) aphthous stomatitis. All children had been well between episodes and showed a dramatic postoperative improvement. PFAPA syndrome is not uncommon among children having tonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy is curative in most of these patients.

Keywords: aphthous stomatitis; periodic fever; PFAPA syndrome; pharyngitis; tonsillectomy

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Differential diagnosis of Periodic Fevers

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ADC Online, 3 Jul 2002 [Full text]