A Rare Case of a Pneumoparotid

Abstract

Introduction: There are many reasons for an increase in volume of the salivary glands, including inflammatory changes due to infection, autoimmune and allergic reactions, endocrine disorder, tumor, or injury.Aim: Presentation of a rare case of a pneumoparotid.Case report: A 54-year-old patient was admitted to the department for diagnosis of a nodular swelling in the area of the left parotid gland. The swelling had appeared about 3 weeks earlier, initially with pain, and had gradually increased in size. He denied head or neck injury, problems with chewing or swallowing food, or a dry mouth. Laryngological examination revealed swelling of the cheek in the left preauricular area, palpably soft, oval-shaped (about 20 x 15 mm), slightly painful when pressed, non-fluctuant, and with no associated skin changes. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy and contrast CT scan of the neck revealed a pneumoparotid on the left side. After decompression of the pneumoparotid, conservative treatment (a pressure dressing) was applied in an outpatient mode. Due to lack of therapeutic effect, the patient was qualified for surgical excision of the left pneumoparotid.Conclusions: A pneumoparotid of the salivary glands is a rare pathology affecting the parotid glands and is associated with an increase in intraoral pressure. Treatment is primarily avoidance of the triggering factor and pressure dressings, but sometimes surgery is necessary. The pathology in most cases does not cause permanent damage to the salivary glands and the effects of treatment are good.