Tuberculosis of the parotid gland—diagnosis by CT

Abstract

A case of parenchymal and intraparotid lymph node tuberculosis is reported in a young Asian male. The diagnosis was suggested pre-operatively by the contrast enhanced CT (CECT) appearance. There were no systemic symptoms of tuberculosis and this is a characteristic feature of the 100 cases reported in the literature. The presence of thick walled rim enhancing lesions with a central lucency on CECT should suggest the diagnosis. Filling defects with or without thin walls are non-specific findings and are seen in tumours and other inflammatory processes. In an appropriate clinical setting, thick walled round rim enhancing lesions with a central lucency are characteristic of tuberculosis.

Diagnosis of major salivary gland tuberculosis: Experience of eight cases and review of the literature

“…Owing to the neoplastic presentation of the disease, CT has become an important initial diagnostic tool [9]. Reede and Bergeron [10] classified cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis into four categories according to its appearance on a CT scan.…”

“…In order to identify AFB by microscopy of sputum, concentrations of at least 10 000 organisms/ml of sputum are required, a level not achieved at sites of presumed secondary infection such as the cervical lymph nodes or salivary glands [11]. Although FNAC is simple to perform, its findings may be non-specific or misleading, and thus their interpretation may cause conflicting opinions among pathologists [9,11]. Hence, like CT, FNAC should not be used as the sole diagnostic tool in diagnostically challenging cases.…”

La tuberculose primaire de la glande parotide: à propos de deux cas

“…En effet les aspects radiologiques sont variables; elle peut s'agir d'un nodule tissulaire, d'une image kystique, plus ou moins associées à des adénopathies intra parotidiennes. Cependant, Bhargava rapporte sur 100 images scannographiques, que la présence d'une lésion à paroi épaisse, prenant fortement le contraste avec de la nécrose au centre, est caractéristique de la tuberculose [7]. …”

Parotid Tuberculosis- A Case Report

“…In an endemic country like India also, parotid gland tuberculosis is very uncommon. [1] [2] Till date only a few cases have been reported; that too from parotidectomy specimens, [3] it presents as a swelling in the parotid region. However, tuberculosis of parotid necessitates adequate and appropriate treatment [4] and if treated properly the prognosis of tuberculosis of the parotid gland is very good.…”