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Self-induced pneumoparotitis
L A Goguen1, M M April, C S Karmody
1Department of Otolaryngology, New England Medical Center, Boston, Mass, USA.
Insights
Pneumoparotitis, or air in the parotid gland, is a rare condition often misdiagnosed in children. This study highlights its self-induced nature and potential complications, emphasizing accurate diagnosis for proper treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Radiology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Parotid gland enlargement in children typically stems from infections, autoimmune conditions, or allergies.
- Pneumoparotitis, a less common cause, involves air entering the parotid gland via Stensen's duct.
Observation:
- Presents three pediatric cases of self-induced pneumoparotitis.
- Details clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and radiographic findings.
- Reviews existing literature on the condition.
Findings:
- Pneumoparotitis can be transient or recurrent.
- Often misdiagnosed, leading to incorrect treatment.
- Radiographic findings aid in diagnosis.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of pneumoparotitis is crucial for appropriate management.
- Recurrent air insufflation may lead to sialectasias and recurrent parotitis.
- Highlights the importance of considering self-induced causes in pediatric parotid swelling.
Abstract:
Pneumoparotitis is a rare cause of enlargement of the parotid gland; it is often misdiagnosed and therefore incorrectly treated. We report three pediatric cases of self-induced pneumoparotitis and detail the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, radiographic findings, and treatment options. We also review the literature on the subject. In children, inflammatory swelling of the parotid gland is usually due to acute viral or bacterial infection, juvenile recurrent parotitis, or allergic, autoimmune, or systemic disease. Infrequently, swelling may result from air being forced through Stensen's duct, resulting in pneumoparotitis. This may occur as a transient or recurrent phenomenon. Recurrent parotid insufflation is not entirely benign and may predispose to sialectasias, recurrent parotitis, and even subcutaneous emphysema.