Signs in Chronic Tonsillitis | Irwin Moore Sign & Wood's Sign
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Signs in Chronic Tonsillitis
Two classical named signs are associated with chronic tonsillitis. In this post, we will discuss:
- Irwin Moore Sign
- Wood's Sign
Irwin Moore Sign
📌 Type of Sign
👉 Clinical Sign seen during examination of the tonsillar fossa.
🔍 What is the Sign?
Irwin Moore Sign refers to Expression of pus from the tonsillar crypts on applying pressure over the anterior pillar (palatoglossal arch).
Seen in Chronic Tonsillitis.
🩺 How is it Elicited?
The sign is elicited by the Squeeze Test.
The examiner applies gentle pressure over the anterior pillar, which compresses the tonsil.
A positive sign is:
✅ Pus or cheesy material exuding from the crypt openings
What is the reason behind Irwin Moore's sign in Chronic Tonsillitis?
👨⚕️ Eponym
Named after Irwin Moore, who described pus expression from the tonsillar crypts on anterior pillar pressure in chronic tonsillitis.
What is the most common lymph node enlarged in chronic tonsillitis?
What is the named criteria followed when planning tonsillectomy?
Cardinal Signs of Chronic Tonsillitis
⭐ Very important viva question
1- Flushing of anterior pillar
2- Irwin Moore Sign positive
3- Persistent non-tender jugulodigastric lymphadenopathy
At least two of the three signs must be present to diagnose chronic tonsillitis.
Wood's Sign
📌 Type of Sign
👉 Clinical Sign seen during Palpation of neck lymph nodes.
🔍 What is the Sign?
Wood's Sign refers to palpable enlargement of the jugulodigastric lymph node in chronic tonsillitis.
🧠 What does it Indicate?
The jugulodigastric lymph node is the Most common node (sentinel node) involved in tonsillitis.
Its enlargement is a Marker of tonsillar pathology.
👨⚕️ Eponym
Named after Wood, who described jugulodigastric lymphadenopathy as a marker of tonsillar pathology.
⭐ High Yield Rapid Revision Table
| Sign | Type | Elicited By | Finding | Seen In |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irwin Moore Sign | Clinical | Squeeze test (anterior pillar pressure) | Expression of pus from tonsillar crypts | Chronic Tonsillitis |
| Wood's Sign | Clinical | Palpation of neck lymph nodes | Palpable enlargement of jugulodigastric lymph node | Chronic Tonsillitis |
🧠 Viva Pearls
- Irwin Moore Sign is expression of pus from the tonsillar crypts on pressing the anterior pillar.
- The anterior pillar is the palatoglossal arch.
- Irwin Moore Sign is elicited by the squeeze test.
- Cardinal signs of chronic tonsillitis are flushing of anterior pillar, Irwin Moore Sign and persistent non-tender jugulodigastric lymphadenopathy.
- At least two cardinal signs must be present to diagnose chronic tonsillitis.
- Wood's Sign is palpable enlargement of the jugulodigastric lymph node.
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