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Juvenile Recurrent Parotitis: An Eight-Year-Old Boy With a Painful Acute Right-Sided Parotid Swelling
Meshael M Alkusayer1, Reham S Alshehri2, Reema S Alkhoudairy2
1Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, SAU.
Insights
Juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) is a rare condition causing painful parotid gland swelling in children. Accurate diagnosis relies on history, examination, and imaging, enabling effective conservative management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Otolaryngology
- Inflammatory Disorders
Background:
- Juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) is a rare, non-obstructive inflammatory condition affecting the parotid glands, primarily in children aged 3-6 years.
- It typically presents as recurrent, painful, unilateral or bilateral parotid swelling, occurring at least twice within six months.
- The etiology is often idiopathic, posing diagnostic challenges in pediatric patients.
Observation:
- A case report details an eight-year-old Saudi boy experiencing recurrent acute right-sided parotid swelling.
- The patient had a two-year history of similar bilateral episodes, occurring at least four times annually.
- Initial laboratory investigations were unremarkable, but parotid ultrasonography revealed parotitis and cervical lymphadenopathy.
Findings:
- The diagnosis of JRP was established through a combination of clinical history, physical examination, and imaging findings.
- Conservative management was initiated for the patient.
- The patient remained asymptomatic for one year following treatment.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of a thorough diagnostic approach for suspected JRP in children.
- Accurate diagnosis, supported by radiographic evidence, is crucial for appropriate management.
- Early and correct diagnosis can lead to effective conservative treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) is a rare recurrent non-obstructive inflammatory swelling of the parotid gland occurring most commonly in children aged three to six years. JRP is usually idiopathic and presents as a painful swelling recurring on either side of the face at least twice within six months. We report the case of an eight-year-old Saudi boy with a painful acute right-sided parotid swelling and a history of similar occurrences bilaterally at least four times a year for two years. The routine laboratory investigations were unremarkable. Ultrasonography of the parotid glands suggested parotitis with cervical lymphadenopathy. He was treated conservatively and remained asymptomatic for a year. Although rare, an accurate diagnosis of JRP is possible with adequate history, physical examination, and lab investigations, supplemented with radiographic findings.
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