Related Experiment Videos
Pneumoparotitis
Laura Kathryn House1, Andrea Furr Lewis1
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
Clinical and Experimental Emergency Medicine
|December 21, 2018
Summary
Pneumoparotitis, a rare condition causing air in the salivary gland, can mimic serious issues. Recognizing this unique presentation is crucial for emergency physicians to avoid misdiagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Otolaryngology
- Radiology
Background:
- Pneumoparotitis is an uncommon condition characterized by the presence of air within the parotid salivary gland.
- It can present with symptoms that may overlap with more critical diagnoses, necessitating careful evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review a case of pneumoparotitis with unusual clinical findings.
- To emphasize the importance of considering pneumoparotitis in the differential diagnosis for head and neck emphysema.
Main Methods:
- Case report review of a patient with recurrent head and neck subcutaneous emphysema.
- Physical examination, fiberoptic laryngoscopy, barium esophagram, and computed tomography (CT) were utilized.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with purulent discharge from Stenson's duct and palpable crepitus.
- CT confirmed left pneumoparotitis and extensive subcutaneous emphysema.
- Initial investigations like laryngoscopy and esophagram were normal.
Conclusions:
- This case highlights an unusual presentation of pneumoparotitis, potentially mistaken for malingering.
- Emergency physicians must include pneumoparotitis in their differential diagnosis for pneumomediastinum and head/neck emphysema.
- Awareness of this condition aids in distinguishing it from life-threatening injuries like airway or esophageal trauma.