Dystrophic calcification vs sialolithiasis in a pediactric parotid gland: A case report

Calcinosis is a connective tissue disorder characterized by ectopic calcification in soft tissues. It is subdivided into: dystrophic, metastatic, idiopathic and iatrogenic calcification. The formation of mineralized material in the salivary glands is a common finding in the daily practice of dentists and other specialists. In most cases, this calcification is a sialolith. However, a type of ectopic calcification termed dystrophic calcification is characterized by inappropriate biomineralization in soft tissues and may be associated with trauma, chronic and localized infection or inflammatory diseases. We report a case of a 9-year-old female patient who complained of small nodules in the left parotid region, which begun two years before. Her main complaint was of recurring periods of worsened symptoms characterized by the exacerbation and symptomatic remission of the gland volume with occasional otolaryngologic infections. This study aims to discuss ectopic dystrophic calcification in the parotid gland associated with recurrent infection in children. Key words:Dystrophic calcification, salivary gland, pediatric pathology.