Bilateral parotitis: a rare complication associated with non-invasive ventilation

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Respiratory Therapy
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is a crucial respiratory support method, avoiding endotracheal intubation.
• NIV offers benefits like positive end-expiratory pressure and reduced invasive ventilation complications.
• Despite advantages, NIV can lead to adverse effects, including facial injuries and less commonly, parotitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of bilateral parotitis as a complication of non-invasive ventilation.
• To increase awareness of this uncommon but significant adverse event associated with NIV.

Main Methods:

• A case study of a young adult male patient in the ICU.
• The patient received non-invasive ventilation for respiratory support.
• Clinical observation and diagnosis of bilateral parotitis.

Main Results:

• The patient developed bilateral parotitis during NIV therapy.
• This complication occurred in the context of refractory status epilepticus and ventilator-associated pneumonia.
• The parotitis was directly associated with the use of NIV.

Conclusions:

• Bilateral parotitis is a potential, albeit rare, complication of non-invasive ventilation.
• Clinicians should consider parotitis in patients on NIV presenting with relevant symptoms.
• Further investigation into the mechanisms and incidence of NIV-associated parotitis is warranted.