A case of recurrent pneumoparotitis in a wind instrumentalist / 대한이비인후과학회지

Pneumoparotitis is a rare cause of enlargement of the parotid gland. Hence, it is often misdiagnosed and therefore incorrectly treated. We report, with the clinical presentation and radiographic findings, a case of pneumoparotitis due to trumpet playing. Swelling of the parotid gland was initiated by air being forced through the Stensen`s duct, resulting in the insufflation of air into the acini of the parotid gland. Recurrent parotid insufflation is not entirely benign and may predispose the parotid gland to sialectasia, recurrent parotitis, subcutaneous emphysema, and even mediastinal emphysema.