Management of a salivary fistula following removal of mandibular distractors in a neonate.

There are multiple management options for treatment of iatrogenic salivary fistulas including reduced oral intake, pressure dressings, total parotidectomy, tympanic neurectomy, surgical repair, radiation therapy, and pharmacotherapy. However, the optimal management of salivary fistulas is unclear due to uncertain efficacy and adverse outcomes. We present a case of a neonate that developed a submandibular fistula following removal of mandibular distractors and was ultimately successfully managed using intralesional botulinum toxin injection. The purpose of this communication is to summarize the management of this complication in the context of the current literature.

Efficacy of ethanol ablation as a treatment of benign head and neck cystic lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ethanol ablation in the treatment of benign head and neck cystic lesions. METHODS: A total of 25 patients who received ethanol ablation (EA) of head and neck cystic lesions by an otolaryngologist at a single institution between October 2017 and October 2020 were identified. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment details, and treatment outcomes at follow up visits were obtained by retrospective review of electronic medical records. RESULTS: 25 patients who underwent ethanol ablation of head and neck cystic lesions were included, with a mean age of 49.1 years old (Interquartile range (IQR),32.5-65.5 years) and 12 males (47.0%). The most common cysts treated with EA were thyroglossal duct cysts (n = 8, 32.0%) and lymphoepithelial parotid cysts (n = 7, 28.0%). The mean volume prior to treatment was 10.57 mL (IQR, 1.58-8.81 mL). Mean volume following EA was 1.30 mL (range, 0.10-0.97 mL) with 74.40% cyst reduction by volume (IQR, 48.56-96.29%) (p = 0.002). The mean time to the last follow-up was 5 months (range, 3-6 months). One patient received surgery despite treatment success to obtain a definitive diagnosis of the mass. No other patients received further surgical management. The treatment success of EA, as defined by >70% volume reduction or the resolution of symptoms, was 92.0%. All patients were satisfied with the outcome and had no reported complications. CONCLUSION: EA is an effective and safe alternative to surgery for the treatment of head and neck cystic lesions that can be performed in an outpatient setting by an otolaryngologist.

Sclerotherapy for Benign Cystic Lesions of the Head and Neck: Systematic Review of 474 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: The role of sclerotherapy for vascular lesions of the head and neck is well established. However, the efficacy of sclerotherapy for benign cystic lesions of the head and neck is less clear. The objective of this review is to determine the efficacy and safety of sclerotherapy for benign cystic lesions of the head and neck. DATA SOURCES: PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase. REVIEW METHODS: The PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Systems for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) were followed for this systematic review. Studies of patients with benign head and neck cystic masses treated primarily with sclerotherapy were included. Thirty-two studies met criteria for inclusion. RESULTS: A total of 474 cases of sclerotherapy were reviewed. Agents comprised OK-432, ethanol, doxycycline, tetracycline, and bleomycin. Lesions in the analysis were ranula, thyroglossal duct cyst, branchial cleft cyst, benign lymphoepithelial cyst, parotid cyst, thoracic duct cyst, and unspecified lateral neck cyst. A total of 287 patients (60.5%) had a complete response; 132 (27.9%) had a partial response; and 55 (11.6%) had no response. OK-432 was the most widely utilized agent, with a higher rate of complete response than that of ethanol (62.0% vs 39.4%, P = .015). Fifty-three cases (11.2%) required further surgical management. One case of laryngeal edema was reported and managed nonoperatively. CONCLUSION: Sclerotherapy appears to be a safe and efficacious option for benign cystic lesions if malignancy is reliably excluded. Efficacy rates are comparable to those of sclerotherapy for vascular malformations. The rate of serious complications is low, with 1 incident of airway edema reported in the literature.

The Use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in the Management of Parotid Sialocele: A Case Report.

Parotid sialocele is an accumulation of saliva inside a subcutaneous cavity, usually as a result of trauma or iatrogenic injury of the parotid gland or duct, which can progress to other complications if left untreated. Numerous treatment options have been described before, but there is currently no evidence based consensus. We present a case of a patient treated for sialocele with the use of negative pressure wound therapy. Laryngoscope, 131:E1094-E1095, 2021.

Parotid abscess at a single institute in Korea.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical features, treatment modality, and outcomes of patients with parotid abscess. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital January, 2006 to July, 2017. RESULTS: Among 13 patients, 4 patients had immunocompromised disease, and 3 patients had been diagnosed with pre-existing parotid tumor. Patients were treated with empirical intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics. Among 13 patients, 7 patients (53.8%) had surgical incision, and drainage was conducted. There was no recurrence or death associated with parotid abscess; however, 1 patient with parotid abscess developed facial nerve palsy that persists, despite adequate treatment. CONCLUSION: After adequate treatment, including antibiotics and surgical drainage, the prognosis of parotid gland is good. In the case of parotid abscess of immunocompromised patients, we suggest rapid surgical procedure for speedy recovery and minimizing adverse effects.

Nonsurgical management of human immunodeficiency virus-associated parotid cysts: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this clinical review was to analyze the effectiveness of nonsurgical management options for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated parotid cysts. METHODS: We conducted systematic and meta-analysis reviews. Primary outcomes were complete or partial responses. RESULTS: Systematic review identified 12 relevant studies. The average rates of complete response for antiretroviral therapy (ART), sclerotherapy, and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) were 52.8%, 55.5%, and 33.3%, respectively. Three radiotherapy studies, totaling 104 patients, were included in a meta-analysis. Patients receiving high-dose therapy achieved complete and partial response rates of 65.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 54.3%-76.2%) and 25.2% (95% CI 16.1%-36.3%), respectively. Patients receiving low-dose therapy achieved complete and partial response rates of 23.2% (95% CI 1.2%-60.9%) and 22.3% (95% CI 5.2%-87.8%), respectively. The rate of complete response was significantly greater for high-dose radiotherapy compared to low-dose (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Among nonsurgical treatment modalities for HIV-associated parotid cysts, radiotherapy has the highest number of reported outcomes in the literature and our analysis suggests that higher dose radiotherapy has higher rates of achieving complete response.

Intraductal Laser Fiber Tip Fracture and Retrieval During Sialendoscopic Laser-Assisted Lithotripsy.

Fragmentation of flexible laser fiber tips has been reported to occur during therapeutic bronchoscopy and urologic stone treatment. We report fragmentation of 200-µm single-use silica-based fibers during sialendoscopy-controlled Holmium:YAG laser treatment of a parotid and a submandibular stone. The technique employed to successfully retrieve the fiber tips is described in the context of identifying this potential complication from endoscopic management of sialolithiasis.

Parotid tuberculosis.

Parotid gland tuberculosis is an uncommon manifestation of one of the most common infections even in the developing countries, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. There are no specific symptoms or clinical signs of parotid tuberculosis, and such an infection most commonly presents as a slow growing painless parotid mass. Because of its rarity, tuberculosis of parotid gland is often mistaken for a malignant growth, and it most commonly gets diagnosed after superficial protidectomy. Complete cure is possible with standard antituberculous therapy. Most of our knowledge about this rare entity comes from case reports and short case series. The authors encountered three cases of parotid tuberculosis in the last 10 years. This article aims at presenting a comprehensive review of all the available literature and thus providing detailed information and an update on parotid tuberculosis and our experience of three cases.

A case of bilateral megaducts: Diagnostic and treatment methods.

INTRODUCTION: The pathology of the saliva glands comprises both tumoral and obstructive disorders. The latter include lithiasis, stenosis and megaduct. In this paper, we describe a clinical case of bilateral megaduct, a rare pathology, using sialo-MRI imaging and a conservative diagnostic-cum-therapeutic technique, sialendoscopy with dilation followed by catheterization. CLINICAL CASE: Our female patient presented oversized parotids with an unsightly deformation of the face (parotid ducts visible beneath the skin) and itchy cheeks, from which she had suffered for several years. Sialo-MRI revealed bilateral hypertrophied parotid saliva glands. We opted to perform diagnostic sialendoscopy to explore the branches of the salivary gland system and found ducts shaped like strings of sausages associated with mucous plugs. The treatment procedure was combined with rinsing of both parotid ducts in physiological serum followed by initiation of antibiotic-corticotherapy within the saliva ducts and, lastly, by placement of transpapillary drains, which were left in place for 10 days. Immediately following the procedure, the patient felt a considerable improvement regarding both local discomfort and her cheek deformation. Postoperative control at 10 weeks by sialo-MRI confirmed the reduction of the dilation of the salivary ducts. At 3 months, the patient continued to display a marked clinical improvement despite her saliva retaining a thick consistency. She no longer suffered from pruritis or deformation of the cheeks. DISCUSSION: Sialendoscopy could become the reference treatment tool since it is both efficient and conservative. Duration of her postoperative catheterization remains to be defined.

The utility of vacuum-assisted closure therapy for skin necrosis secondary to cervical abscess in the elderly.

Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) systems have been used as negative-pressure dressings in various fields, including decubitus ulcer, trauma, and wound dehiscence. To the best of our knowledge, few reports have examined the utility of VAC therapy for neck abscess in an oldest-old patient. We present here a rare case of neck abscess secondary to parotid abscess, resulting in extensive skin necrosis. Successful management included emergency drainage following epithelial induction through a VAC system without using skin grafting. Two months after surgical intervention, the cervical wound was completely healed without a solid scar. We consider the VAC therapy to be a key factor leading to the complete healing in the elderly under low serum albumin condition.

Case of Suspected Sialodochitis Fibrinosa (Kussmaul's Disease).

Here we report a case of Kussmaul's disease, or sialodochitis fibrinosa. This rare disease is characterized by recurrent swelling of the salivary glands, which then discharge clots of fibrin into the oral cavity. An 80-year-old man with a history of allergic rhinitis visited our department with the chief complaint of pain in the bilateral parotid gland area on eating. An initial examination revealed mild swelling and tenderness in this region, and indurations could be felt around the bilateral parotid papillae. Pressure on the parotid glands induced discharge of gelatinous plugs from the parotid papillae. No pus was discharged, and there were no palpable hard objects. Panoramic X-ray showed no obvious focus of dental infection, and there was no calcification in the parotid gland region. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed segmental dilatation of the main ducts of both parotid ducts, with no signs of displacement due to sialoliths or tumors, or of abnormal saliva leakage. Two courses of antibiotic therapy resulted in no improvement. During treatment, gelatinous plugs (fibrin clots) obstructing the left parotid duct were dislodged by massage, which prevented further blockage by encouraging salivary outflow. The obstruction persisted in the right parotid duct, however. Therefore, the distal portion of the right parotid duct was partially resected and the opening into the mouth enlarged, which, in combination with massage, prevented further obstruction. The pain and swelling of the parotid gland and discharge of gelatinous plugs improved, with no further recurrence at 12 months postoperatively. This case is presented along with a review of the relevant literature.

Non tuberculous mycobacterial lesion of the parotid gland and facial skin in a 4year old girl: A proposed treatment strategy.

OBJECTIVE: We report a case of a parotid-facial caseating granulomatous infection caused by atypical mycobacteria (Mycobacterium avium) in an immuno-competent child. The size and depth of the lesion and its proximity to the facial nerve present a challenge for a purely surgical treatment strategy. An alternative treatment strategy is developed to avoid severe disfigurement. STUDY DESIGN/SUBJECT: Atypical mycobacterial infection of the parotid region in a 5 year old girl: timeline and definition of a planned combined treatment strategy with antibiotics and surgical excision. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: Cervicofacial infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) may present surgical challenges due to the size and depth of the lesion and its proximity to the facial nerve and major vascular structures. Even minor scars are highly visible and poorly tolerated. Close clinical monitoring combined with judicious treatment strategies is necessary for successful treatment and good cosmesis. Recent literature provides insufficient guidance in formulating the best treatment strategy for the individual patient. Comparisons of antibiotic therapy with variations of surgical excision are abundant but poorly formulated. Our case presented with a lesion involving skin, superficial and deep lobe of the parotid gland. Lesion was in immediate proximity to the distribution of the facial nerve through the parotid gland. The risk of surgical damage to the facial nerve in the acute phase of the inflammation and the required extent of skin excision were significant. We decided to start treatment with combination antimycobacterial antibiotics in close cooperation with the pediatric infectious disease specialists. We observed and documented the regress and executed a delayed surgical excision when the lesion was reduced to skin only. In our opinion this was the best treatment strategy that helped us avoid extensive dissection in the vicinity of the facial nerve as well as a parotidectomy. Excision of the involved skin with the deep portion was performed 6.5 months after initial diagnosis.

Rare Parotid Gland Diseases.

The differential diagnosis for "rare" parotid gland diseases is broad and encompasses infectious, neoplastic, autoimmune, metabolic, and iatrogenic etiologies. The body of knowledge of parotid gland diseases has grown owing to advances in imaging and pathologic analysis and molecular technology. This article reviews rare parotid diseases, discussing the respective disease's clinical presentation, diagnosis, imaging, pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis.

Recurrent parotid swelling secondary to masseter muscle hypertrophy: a multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

PURPOSE: To present a patient with an atypical recurrent parotid swelling due to masseter muscle hypertrophy and the diagnostic/therapeutic assessment to treat this condition. CASE REPORT: A patient referring recurrent right facial swelling underwent a complete multidisciplinary assessment of the parotid region that revealed masseter muscle hypertrophy, confirmed by means of clinical (otolaryngological and gnathological evaluation), radiological (utrasonography, dynamic magnetic resonance imaging, and cone beam computed tomography), instrumental (electromyography to evaluate the right masseter muscle function and kinesiography to evaluate maximum right deflection - MaxRDefl and maximum opening - MaxMO) and sialendoscopy assessment where T0 indicates the pre-treatment values. All electromyographic and kinesiographic parameters were evaluated six months after the orthodontic application of a neuromuscular orthosis at T1. At T1, the effectiveness of the orthodontic therapy was demonstrated by the complete resolution of symptoms, and instrumental results documented more efficient muscle activity at rest and during clenching and a better mandibular position. At EMG T1, the resting and post-TENS values were, respectively, 1.2 and 1.8 microV. At kinesiography, MaxRDefl increased from 10.2 (T0) to 10.5 mm (T1); maxMO increased from 41.2 (T0) to 48 mm (T1). CONCLUSION: The proposed multidisciplinary assessment based on otolaryngological, gnathological, and radiological evaluation may be useful in the case of recurrent parotid swelling secondary to masseter muscle hypertrophy to plan an appropriate management with a removable neuromuscular orthosis.

Sialocele post-trauma sin lesión penetrante / Sialocele post-trauma without penetrating injury

El sialocele es una colección de saliva en los tejidos que rodean al conducto de la glándula o del parénquima sin un drenaje adecuado. Su causa más común es la extravasación de saliva producto a una disrupción del parénquima o conducto parotídeo secundario a un trauma cortante. Si el tratamiento del sialocele no se realiza en forma oportuna se puede generar una fístula externa, cicatrices faciales e infecciones secundarias. Un hombre de 24 años ingresado al Hospital con múltiples fracturas faciales sin trauma cortante. Luego de la disminución del edema, continuó el aumento de volumen en la región geniana en forma localizada, fluctuante, ovalada. La piel se encontraba distendida, asintomática, sin secreciones, con alteración de la función motora y sensorial en la región geniana derecha. Se realizó la aspiración del contenido del aumento de volumen. Después de 2 días recidivó. Se solicitó una Tomografía computarizada y se volvió a realizar aspiración del contenido para enviarlo a cultivo citológico. Se hizo el diagnóstico de sialocele post-trauma de la parótida y se realizó un vaciamiento del contenido y drenaje tipo penrose intraoral. Se controló al siguiente día sin recidivas y se retiró el drenaje a los 2 meses. Es importante tener en cuenta que se puede generar un sialocele post-trauma sin necesariamente ser cortante.

Sialocele is a collection of saliva in the tissues surrounding the duct of the gland or parenchyma without proper drainage. The most common cause is the extravasation of saliva product to a disruption of the parenchyma or parotid duct secondary to a cutting trauma. If sialocele treatment is not performed in a timely manner it can generate an external fistula, facial scars and secondary infections. Male admitted to hospital with multiple facial fractures. After the reduction of edema, continued increased volume in the preauricular region localized, fluctuating, oval. The skin was asymptomatic, without secretions, with impairment of motor and sensory function in the right genial region. The aspiration of the increase in volume under a hypothesized hematoma was performed. After 2 days recurred. A tomography scan was requested and returned to realize the aspiration of which was sent to cytological exam. The diagnosis was post-trauma sialocele parotid and was performed emptying the contents and drainage type penrose intraoral. Was control the next day without relapses and the drain was removed after 2 months. It ́s important to know that can generate a post-trauma sialocele without necessarily cutting trauma.

Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Modulated in Hypoxia for Remodeling of Radiation-Induced Salivary Gland Damage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine whether a secretome from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) modulated by hypoxic conditions to contain therapeutic factors contributes to salivary gland (SG) tissue remodeling and has the potential to improve irradiation (IR)-induced salivary hypofunction in a mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (hAdMSC) were isolated, expanded, and exposed to hypoxic conditions (O2 < 5%). The hypoxia-conditioned medium was then filtered to a high molecular weight fraction and prepared as a hAdMSC secretome. The hAdMSC secretome was subsequently infused into the tail vein of C3H mice immediately after local IR once a day for seven consecutive days. The control group received equal volume (500 µL) of vehicle (PBS) only. SG function and structural tissue remodeling by the hAdMSC secretome were investigated. Human parotid epithelial cells (HPEC) were obtained, expanded in vitro, and then irradiated and treated with either the hypoxia-conditioned medium or a normoxic control medium. Cell proliferation and IR-induced cell death were examined to determine the mechanism by which the hAdMSC secretome exerted its effects. RESULTS: The conditioned hAdMSC secretome contained high levels of GM-CSF, VEGF, IL-6, and IGF-1. Repeated systemic infusion with the hAdMSC secretome resulted in improved salivation capacity and increased levels of salivary proteins, including amylase and EGF, relative to the PBS group. The microscopic structural integrity of SG was maintained and salivary epithelial (AQP-5), endothelial (CD31), myoepithelial (α-SMA) and SG progenitor cells (c-Kit) were successfully protected from radiation damage and remodeled. The hAdMSC secretome strongly induced proliferation of HPEC and led to a significant decrease in cell death in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the anti-apoptotic effects of the hAdMSC secretome were found to be promoted after hypoxia-preconditioning relative to normoxia-cultured hAdMSC secretome. CONCLUSION: These results show that the hAdMSC secretome from hypoxic-conditioned medium may provide radioprotection and tissue remodeling via release of paracrine mediators.

Endoscopic management of salivary gland obstructive diseases in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate, on the basis of our clinical experience, the reliability of an endoscopic approach to the management of obstructive salivary diseases related to Sjögren's syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients affected by Sjögren's syndrome who were followed up at the Maxillo-Facial Unit of the Second University of Naples Hospital and referred from the Reumatology Unit of the same hospital from September 2007 to July 2012 for chronic obstructive sialadenitis unresponsive to medical therapy. A total of 34 patients (29 women and 5 men) were recruited for this study. After the detection of the impaired gland, under local anesthesia with lidocaine 2% to the orifice region and a gradual dilation of the duct orifice, the diagnostic unit was introduced into the duct and was advanced forward until reaching the ductal system, with continuous lavage with isotonic saline solution. The plaques were washed out, and any strictures were dilated. Mucus plugs and debris were removed with irrigation or with a forceps if necessary. RESULTS: Our cohort included 34 patients with a mean age of 51.76 years. A total of 60 parotid glands and 25 submandibular glands were explored and treated. Strictures were found in 38 glands (38 of 85; 45%), mucus plugs in 47 glands (47 of 85; 55%), mucus plugs and strictures together in three glands (3 of 85; 4%), and kinks in two glands (2 of 85; 2%). In 32 parotid glands (32 of 60; 53%) the Stensen duct was affected, in two (2 of 60; 3%) only secondary ducts, and in 18 (18 of 60; 30%) both. In submandibular glands explored, strictures and mucus plugs were mainly observed in Wharton ducts. Symptomatic improvement was achieved in 29 patients (29 of 34; 85%), in a follow-up period ranging from 5 months to 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: Interventional sialoendoscopy is a viable technique to treat acute symptomatology in patients with obstructive salivary gland diseases related to Sjögren's syndrome and refractory to conventional management.

Salivary gland disorders.

Patients with salivary gland disease present with certain objective and/or subjective signs. An accurate diagnosis for these patients requires a range of techniques that includes the organized integration of information derived from their history, clinical examination, imaging, serology, and histopathology. This article highlights the signs and symptoms of the salivary gland disorders seen in the Salivary Gland Center, and emphasizes the methodology used to achieve a definitive diagnosis and therapy.