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Parotid calcification in systemic lupus erythematosis.
C Hopkins1, R Kanegaonkar, E B Chevretton
1Department of Otolaryngology, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK. clairehopkins@yahoo.com
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|November 20, 2002
Summary
Calcinosis universalis, a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can manifest as parotid calcification. Surgical treatment effectively resolved symptoms in a patient with long-standing SLE.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Calcinosis universalis, characterized by widespread calcium deposition, is an uncommon but recognized complication of SLE.
Observation:
- A 22-year-old patient with childhood-onset SLE developed parotid gland calcification, a previously undocumented presentation of calcinosis universalis.
- The patient experienced significant discomfort and functional impairment due to the parotid calcifications.
Findings:
- Medical management strategies for calcinosis universalis in SLE have historically yielded limited success.
- Surgical excision of the parotid calcifications resulted in complete symptom resolution and improved quality of life for the patient.
Implications:
- This case highlights parotid calcification as a novel manifestation of calcinosis universalis in SLE.
- Surgical intervention should be considered a viable and effective treatment option for symptomatic parotid calcification in SLE patients when conservative measures fail.