Parotid abscess in children - A tertiary rural hospital experience

Parotid abscess is a rare complication of acute parotitis in children. Acute parotitis occurs due to infection of intra-parotid or para-parotid lymph nodes or glandular parenchyma of the parotid gland which may progress to parotid abscess.

To document the causative organism, clinical behaviour and response to treatment in paediatric parotid abscess.

A retrospective study was done in our tertiary rural hospital from May 2007 to May 2015 to identify and analyse paediatric parotid abscess in 80 unilateral parotitis cases.

7 cases of parotid abscess were identified. 4 cases were diagnosed clinically and in 3 cases ultrasound was done showing heterogenous, hyperechoic, solid and cystic areas. In 2 patients, abscess was extending to the submandibular space. Incision and drainage was done in all patients. The most common bacteria was Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Escherichia coli was reported in one patient, and was rare in parotid region. 2 patients had House Brackmann grade 2 marginal mandibular nerve palsy, and they recovered within 4½ months.

Parotid abscess is an uncommon but life-threatening condition in paediatric age group. Poor orodental hygiene was most important predisposing factor. Abscess can be diagnosed clinically and ultrasound scan is also an important diagnostic tool. It is commonly caused by Gram positive cocci and responds well to incision and drainage followed by appropriate antibiotics. No fistula may result if treated early.