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Recurrent pneumoparotid: cause and treatment.
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
Summary
Recurrent pneumoparotid, or air in the salivary glands, can cause significant swelling. Parotid duct ligation offers a novel and curative treatment for this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology, salivary gland disorders, head and neck surgery.
Background:
- Pneumoparotid, characterized by air insufflation into the parotid duct system, is typically benign.
- However, recurrent cases can lead to parotid inflammation, infection, and subcutaneous emphysema.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old patient with a history of recurrent parotitis developed severe recurrent pneumoparotid with extensive subcutaneous air dissection.
- Computed tomography revealed abnormally patent Stensen's ducts bilaterally.
Findings:
- Superficial parotidectomy was initially performed, followed by recurrent pneumoparotid in the contralateral gland.
- Parotid duct ligation, a technique usually for sialorrhea, was successfully employed as a novel curative treatment for recurrent pneumoparotid.
Implications:
- This case highlights parotid duct ligation as a potentially curative surgical option for selected recurrent pneumoparotid cases.
- Understanding the etiology and treatment of pneumoparotid is crucial for managing complications in woodwind players and dental patients.