[Acute purulent parotitis as a sequela of alkylphosphate (E 605) poisoning]

Acute suppurative parotitis is a possible consequence of poisoning by organophosphates (E 605). The endogenous accumulation of acetylcholine results--as in the acute pancreatitis caused by poisoning with organophosphates--in massive hyperemia and an increased secretory activity with leakage of saliva into the tissue, in an activation of the kallikrein-kinin system, the phospholipase A2, and, ultimately, in toxic tissue lesions caused by lysolecithin and the superoxide-radical anion. In spite of antibiotic therapy this is followed by bacterial inflammation. Treatment consists in the administration of aprotinin (Trasylol) and corticosteroids. In the case of abscess formation surgical drainage is necessary.