Parotid Gland Abscess: A Series of Three Cases

Abstract

Suppurative or secondary parotitis is an acute inflammatory infection of the parotid
gland. It is also referred to as ascending parotitis because the pathogenesis is
suggested to be an ascending bacterial infection through Stensen’s duct.(1,2)
It differs
from mumps in several aspects: 1- It is not contagious; 2- It frequently suppurates,
and give rise to parotid abscess.(1)
Symptoms of parotid gland abscess include: swelling at the angle of the mandible
which is usually accompanied by erythema of the overlying skin, trismus, shooting
pain at the area of the parotid gland, fever, lethargy, and occasional dysphagia.(1) The
most common pathogen associated with acute bacterial parotitis is Staphylococcus
aureus.(3) Some predisposing conditions and factors include: dehydration,
malnutrition, poor oral hygiene, xerostomia, ductal obstruction, and some chronic
diseases such as diabetes mellitus.(4) Among the various imaging techniques
ultrasonography is considered the first line for the evaluation of parotid abscess.(2) If
left untreated it might be complicated by deep neck space infection and sepsis.(5)
Management includes hydration and administration of parenteral antimicrobial
agent.(6) In case of abscess formation, surgical drainage is required.(6)