Transoral ultrasound versus standard clinical exam to diagnose peritonsillar abscess
Official title: Transoral Ultrasound Versus no Transoral Ultrasound in Diagnostic Workup of Peritonsillar Abscess - Proposal for a Multicenter Cluster Randomized Trial
Run by Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet · NCT07577232 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether adding transoral ultrasound helps doctors tell which adults with suspected peritonsillar abscess need drainage.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 368 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 3 sites (Copenhagen and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 9, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07577232 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18) referred to participating ENT outpatient clinics with suspected peritonsillar abscess who can give informed consent and have not yet had drainage are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients needing immediate airway management, those who have already had prior drainage or surgery for the episode, or those unable to tolerate transoral examination are unlikely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults referred to ENT outpatient clinics in Denmark with suspected peritonsillar abscess are assigned to either receive transoral ultrasound as part of the diagnostic workup or to standard clinical assessment without transoral ultrasound. The trial compares diagnostic decisions, rates of aspiration or incision, and short-term follow-up outcomes between the two approaches. Transoral ultrasound is performed by trained ENT physicians and findings are used to guide whether invasive drainage is performed. The overall goal is to see if adding transoral ultrasound reduces unnecessary invasive procedures and imaging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could more accurately identify true abscesses and reduce unnecessary needle aspirations, incisions, or CT scans.
How similar studies have gone: Several smaller single-center studies have shown improved diagnostic accuracy with transoral ultrasound, but no large multicenter trial has confirmed superiority.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients referred to the ENT outpatient clinic with a suspected PTA. * 18 years of age or older. Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to understand the verbal information, participating in research. * Prior surgical interventions (needle aspiration, surgery, incision) during the course of the disease. * Compromised airways, needing acute airway management.
Where it's running
-
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiolog
Copenhagen, Denmark Recruiting -
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, North Zealand Hospital
Hillerød, Denmark Recruiting -
Department of ORL - Head & Neck Surgery and Audiology, Zealand University Hospital,
Køge, Denmark Not yet recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.