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Perioral gustatory sweating: case report.
S C Käyser1, K J A O Ingels, F J A van den Hoogen
1Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. sabinekayser@gmail.com
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|March 3, 2012
Summary
A rare case of perioral Frey syndrome, characterized by facial sweating after eating, was observed in a patient post-mandibular osteotomy. This condition, also known as gustatory sweating, highlights potential nerve pathway alterations following surgery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Plastic Surgery
Background:
- Frey syndrome, or gustatory sweating, is a condition characterized by unilateral facial sweating and flushing in response to gustatory stimuli.
- It is typically associated with surgical or traumatic injury to the parotid gland and its innervation.
- Perioral involvement is an uncommon presentation.
Observation:
- A 72-year-old woman presented with bilateral perioral gustatory sweating.
- This symptom developed after undergoing a mandibular osteotomy.
- The patient experienced hyperhidrosis around the mouth and chin, triggered by eating.
Findings:
- This case represents a previously undescribed instance of perioral Frey syndrome following a mandibular osteotomy.
- The findings suggest that osteotomy procedures, like parotid surgery, can potentially disrupt nerve pathways leading to gustatory sweating.
- Pathophysiological hypotheses are explored concerning the anatomy and innervation of salivary glands in relation to the observed symptoms.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of Frey syndrome presentations and potential iatrogenic causes.
- It underscores the importance of considering nerve pathway injury in the differential diagnosis of perioral sweating after craniofacial surgery.
- Further research into the neuroanatomy of the perioral region and salivary gland innervation may elucidate the mechanisms behind this rare complication.
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