Bilateral peritonsillar abscesses: a challenging diagnosis.

Peritonsillar abscess is the most common complication of acute tonsillitis. Bilateral peritonsillar abscesses are much less common, and they may be more difficult to detect on physical examination because the oropharynx often appears to be symmetrical rather than asymmetrical, as is the case in unilateral abscess. Previous steroid treatment may also complicate the diagnosis by masking the signs and symptoms of abscess.