[Pneumoparotid: a rare cause of recurrent parotid swelling]

Abstract

Introduction: Pneumoparotid is a rare cause of recurrent parotid swelling. It is often fortuitous, caused by an action inducing intraoral pressure, increased or self-induced.

Observation: An 8-year-old boy presented with recurrent right unilateral parotid swelling for 2 years. A CT-scan was performed, outside of the acute phase, which revealed the presence of intraparotid air bubbles.

Discussion: Pneumoparotitis results from air flowing back into Stensen's duct, due to an anatomical abnormality and a significant increase of intraoral pressure. The diagnosis is made on clinical examination, often completed by a morphological examination (cervicofacial CT-scan or parotid ultrasound investigation). The outcome is most often favorable, with symptomatic treatment, and sometimes antibiotic prophylaxis. Patient education is the best means to prevent recurrence.

Keywords: Canal de Sténon; Glande parotide; Parotid gland; Parotidite; Parotitis; Pneumoparotidite; Pneumoparotitis; Stensen's duct.