Vol.99 No.10 contentsPRACTICA OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGICA
Vol. 99 No. 10 October 2006
Mechanisms on the Development of Tonsillar
Focal Infections
Yasuaki Harabuchi, Nobuyuki Bandoh, Miki Takahara, Kan Kishibe,
Takashi Goto, Hayabusa Nozawa and Tomoki Yoshizaki
(Asahikawa Medical College)
Pustulosis palmaris et plantaris (PPP), Sterno-costo-claviclar hyperostosis (SCCH), IgA nephropathy, and some other autoimmune diseases have been regarded as tonsillar focal infections since tonsillectomy is quite effective in the treatment of these diseases. In this paper, we reviewed recent clinicopathological evidence on tonsillar focal infections obtained through our experience as well as in the literature. In addition, we summarized experimental results regarding mechanisms of the development and progression of tonsillar focal infections. It has been speculated that abnormal immune responses in the tonsils may cause or worsen the disease. Therefore, tonsillectomy should be recommended for the treatment of tonsillar focal infections.
Key words :tonsillar focal infection, pustulosis palmaris et plantaris, Sterno-costo-claviclar hyperostosis, IgA nephropathy, tonsillectomy