September 24, 2010

Parotitis

Axial CT image of the neck shows an enlarged left parotid gland (star) with blurry margins, nearby fat stranding. There is no internal low attenuation areas.

Facts:
  • Infection of the parotid gland caused by bacterial, viral pathogen or is calculus-induced.
  • Acute suppurative parotitis is usually unilateral
  • Bacterial parotitis is usually caused by S aureus (greater than 50% of cases) and anaerobic bacteria
  • May be complicated by abscess formation, thrombophlebitis, cranial nerve VII dysfunction
  • Treatment: hydration, antibiotics, possible drainage if an abscess develops
CT Findings:
  • Diffuse enlargement and enhancement of the parotid gland
  • Blurred margins of the gland
  • Internal low attenuation indicative of abscess formation
Reference:
Capps EF, Kinsella JJ, Gupta M, et al. Emergency imaging assessment of acute, nontraumatic conditions of the head and neck. Radiographics 2010; 30:1335-1352.

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