Candidal abscess of the parotid gland associated with facial nerve paralysis

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Gino Marioni1, Roberto Rinaldi, Cosimo de Filippis

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy. g_marioni@virgilio.it

Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|July 24, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Facial nerve paralysis from parotid gland infections is rare, often linked to bacteria. This study details the first case of facial nerve paralysis caused by a Candida albicans parotid abscess in a diabetic patient.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Facial nerve paralysis typically arises from parotid gland tumors.
  • Parotid gland infections causing facial nerve dysfunction are exceptionally uncommon.
  • Literature review identified only about 15 prior cases of facial nerve palsy linked to suppurative parotitis or abscess.

Observation:

  • A 74-year-old insulin-dependent diabetic patient presented with facial nerve paralysis.
  • The patient was diagnosed with a candidal abscess of the parotid gland.
  • This represents the first reported instance of Candida albicans causing parotid abscess with associated facial nerve paralysis.

Findings:

  • Candida albicans can be an etiological agent in parotid gland abscesses.
  • Facial nerve paralysis can occur secondary to fungal parotid abscesses.
  • The case highlights an unusual presentation of facial nerve palsy.

Implications:

  • Diabetic and immunodeficient patients with parotid masses require broad differential diagnoses.
  • Candida albicans infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of parotid abscesses presenting with facial nerve paralysis in at-risk populations.
  • This finding may influence diagnostic and treatment strategies for rare parotid gland infections.

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