Sarcoidosis with Trismus Caused by Acute, Progressive Swelling of the Parotid Glands

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease that affects the lungs, lymph nodes, and eyes, which but rarely affects the parotid glands. A 71-year-old Japanese woman developed acute bilateral parotid gland swelling leading to trismus with pain. She also had bilateral swelling of the hilar lymph nodes, suggesting sarcoidosis or lymphoma. A histological examination of a parotid gland biopsy specimen revealed noncaseating granulomas, and sarcoidosis was diagnosed. Treatment with glucocorticoids decreased parotid gland swelling, and trismus and pain resolved. In patients presenting with acute and progressive parotid gland lesions, the possibility of sarcoidosis should be considered.