PURPOSE: To evaluate normal tonsillar position at different ages, using MR images. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We measured the position of the cerebellar tonsils with respect to the inferior aspect of the foramen magnum on middle sagittal MR T1 weight images in 210 patients(9 days to 83 years) who were not considered to have any disorder that would affect tonsillar position. RESULTS: The mean distance between tonsillar tip and inferior aspect of the foramen magnum was 0.0 +/-1.9mm in the first decade of life, 0.7 +/-2.8mm in the fourth decade, and3.4 +/-2.3 mm in the eighth and ninth decades. The tonsillar position is significantly lower in youth(first and second decades) than in old age(seventh to ninth decades). CONCLUSION: We believe that a single reference standard that indicates the normal distance of the cerebellar tonsils from the foramen magnum is inappropriate unless age is considered. We suggest that the following distance below the foramen magnum(more than 2 standard deviations out of the normal range) be used as criteria for ectopia of the cerebellar tonsils in koreans : firstand second decades, 5mm ; third to sixth decades, 4mm ; seventh and eighth decades, 3mm.
Foramen Magnum ; Palatine Tonsil*

Humans ; Palatine Tonsil ; Tonsillitis

Palatine Tonsil ; Cysts

Hamartomatous polyps of the tonsil are very rare. They have been described using various terms such as a lymphangiomatous polyp, lymphangiectatic fibrous polyp, lipomatous polyp or pedunculated tonsil, thus the actual incidence is difficult to be quantified. We present a case of hamartomatous polyp of the palatine tonsil in a 30-year-old female presented with recurent tonsillitis. Histopathological examination of the resected tonsils showed features of chronic tonsilitis with incidental finding of hamartomatous polyp characterized by a polypoidal tissue covered by stratified squamous epithelium and composed of thin-walled blood vessels, lymphatic channels, fibrofatty tissues, seromucinous glands and striated muscle fibres. An unusual incidental histopathological finding of a rare condition has been discussed along with the review of literature.
Hamartoma ; Polyps ; Palatine Tonsil

No abstract available.
Coal* ; Palatine Tonsil*

No abstract available.
Palatine Tonsil* ; Tonsillitis*

Spontaneous tonsillar hemorrhage from infectious causes is extremely rare and post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage, although also relatively rare, is an unavoidable complication of the procedure. Hemorrhage in association with tonsillitis or tonsillectomy is potentially dangerous and can be life threatening. We report here the presentation and management of a 42-yr-old man with severe spontaneous hemorrhage from infected tonsils and post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. We suggest that if attempts to control the bleeding are not successful or if severe spontaneous tonsillar hemorrhage occurs repeatedly or a malignancy is suspected, tonsillectomy and close postoperative follow up is recommended.
Hemorrhage ; Palatine Tonsil ; Tonsillectomy ; Tonsillitis

No abstract available.
Humans ; Mandible* ; Mouth* ; Palatine Tonsil*

No abstract available.
Adult* ; Child* ; Humans ; Palatine Tonsil*

Humans ; Malacoplakia/diagnosis* ; Palatine Tonsil