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.

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.

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.

Early results of real-time qualitative sonoelastography in the evaluation of parotid gland masses: a study with histopathological correlation.

BACKGROUND: Sonoelastography has been used to differentiate malignant from benign lesions in numerous types of tissues including breast, prostate, liver, blood vessels, thyroid, musculoskeletal structures, and salivary glands. PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and application of real-time qualitative sonoelastography in the differentiation of benign and malignant focal parotid gland lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 75 patients (36 boys/men, 39 girls/women; age range, 10-83 years) with 81 lesions were evaluated prospectively by sonoelastography performed and interpreted by two expert radiologists. The results of these experts classification and scoring of lesions according to relative stiffness of the mass were compared with each other and with histopathological findings. The interpretation of sonoelastography scores of 1-4 were as follows: 1, soft; 2, mostly soft; 3, mostly stiff; and 4, stiff. RESULTS: The kappa statistic of 0.508 (P < 0.001) indicated moderate agreement between the two radiologists. The sonoelastography scores correctly diagnosed 30 of 49 benign tumors (sensitivity, 61.2%) and 19 of 32 malignant tumors (specificity, 59.4%). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.603. The diagnostic value of sonoelastography for evaluating pleomorphic adenomas, Warthin tumors, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and high-grade tumors was low, whereas the diagnostic rates for low-grade tumors such as mucoepidermoid carcinoma, acinic cell carcinoma, and metastases of basal cell carcinoma were better with sonoelastography. CONCLUSION: Although sonoelastography seems to be promising in the differentiating of low-grade malignancies, the primary role of radiology is currently limited to determination of localization, size, and morphology of parotid tumors.

Thulium-YAG laser sialendoscopy for parotid and submandibular sialolithiasis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of thulium-YAG laser in sialendoscopic fragmentation of salivary lithiasis. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional case series. MATERIAL: Sixty-three patients treated by interventional sialendoscopy with thulium-Yag laser fragmentation between 2003 and 2010 at Edouard Herriot Hospital were included in the study. The laser was used for non-floating or large lithiasis (>4 mm). METHODS: The sialendoscopic thulium fiber laser was used in a pulsed mode with an average power output of 2-8 W to fragment and facilitate extraction of salivary stones. Several variables were studied: success rate, total number of procedures, total energy per procedure, size and number of salivary stones removed, and complications. RESULTS: Our series of 63 cases includes 40 cases of parotid lithiasis and 23 cases of submandibular lithiasis. In nine cases, two sessions of laser were performed. Stone size was evaluated pre-operatively by ultrasound and varied between 2 and 18 mm. Laser fragmentation was possible in every case. Complete extraction of the lithiasis was possible in 51 cases (73.9%) and partial extraction in eight cases (12.6%). Extraction failed in four cases (6.3%). Mean stone size was 5.4 mm (5.7 mm for parotid glands and 5.0 mm for sub-mandibular glands) and mean energy per procedure was 1,450 J (range: 1,400-1,800 J). Ductal perforations were observed in 12.7% of the cases. 65.1% of patients were free of symptoms with a mean follow-up of 18 months. CONCLUSION: Thulium-YAG laser appears to be an effective and safe technique in the treatment of salivary lithiasis.

An unusual complication following rhytidectomy: iatrogenic parotid injury resulting in parotid fistula/sialocele.

Rhytidectomy is a common surgical procedure performed by today's aesthetic surgeons. Newer trends and techniques leading to deeper and more aggressive dissection have placed the parotid gland at increased risk for injury during this procedure. Despite there being a relative abundance of literature on traumatic parotid injury, there is a relative paucity of information on iatrogenic parotid injury after rhytidectomy. In addition, there is no consensus on management of these complications. In this article, the authors discuss 3 case reports, review the relevant literature, and propose a treatment algorithm. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to properly manage this complication.

Diagnosis and management of lymphoepithelial lesion of the parotid gland.

Patients with either benign or malignant parotid neoplasm are candidates for surgery, but patients with benign lymphoepithelial lesions of the parotid gland or Sjögren's syndrome do not necessarily require surgical treatment. However, the diagnosis of benign lymphoepithelial lesion of the parotid prior to surgery is challenging. In this case series, we retrospectively analyzed the records of 11 patients presented between January 2006 and August 2007, with a solitary parotid mass diagnosed post-operatively as benign lymphoepithelial lesion or Sjögren's syndrome. Our analysis suggested that findings from physical examination and CT and MRI scans in the absence of neoplastic cells on fine needle aspiration biopsy could be used to make the diagnosis of lymphoepithelial lesion preoperatively. In a prospective study from September 2007 to June 2008, using the lessons learned from the analysis of the previous 11 patients, we were able to diagnose all 6 cases of benign lymphoepithelial lesion or Sjögren's syndrome preoperatively.

[Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) for salivary gland stones: a retrospective study of 1571 patients]. / Lithotripsie extracorporelle (LEC) salivaire: étude rétrospective sur 1571 patients.

INTRODUCTION: The fragmentation of salivary stones by extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) has been described since the 1990s. We wanted to assess its effectiveness through a retrospective study. PATIENT AND METHODS: We reviewed the files of 1571 patients (801 women and 770 men, from 6 to 85 years of age) treated by ESWL between 1995 and 2010 for 1031 submandibular (65.6%) and 540 parotid gland sialolithiasis (34.4%). The treatment consisted in one or several sessions of ESWL distributed over 3 to 24 months. Three thousand to 6000 shockwaves were delivered by session, if there was no hemostatic disorder or infection. Ultrasound control examinations were performed regularly and systematically. RESULTS: An average of six sessions was necessary. All the lithiases were fragmented, 1056 (67.2%) totally and 515 (32.8%) partially with residual fragments from 1 to 6mm in size. After treatment, 1446 patients (92%) were asymptomatic and 125 (8%) continued to present salivary symptoms, without residual fragments on ultrasound examination in 82% of the cases. The main adverse reaction was infection (628 patients, 40%) resolved thanks to antibiotic treatment or extraction of fragments under local anesthesia. DISCUSSION: Developed for 20 years, LEC is an excellent alternative to conventional surgery as long as indications are respected. It seems very effective, but its drawbacks are the length of management and the difficulty of ultrasound localization of calculi, which requires an experienced operator.

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.

[Alpha-1-blockers (alfuzosin) for obstructive salivary gland diseases]. / Les Alpha-1-Bloquants (alfuzosine) en pathologie salivaire obstructive.

INTRODUCTION: Alpha-blockers are used in urology to treat stenosis and lithiasis. The pathophysiology is similar in salivary glands. We had for aim to assess the safety and effectiveness of an alpha-blocker (Alfuzosin) in patients with ductal stenosis, allergic pseudo-parotitis or sialolithiasis after lithotripsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred and fifty-two patients were included, 194 of whom presented with sialolithiasis fragmented by extracorporeal lithotripsy (112 parotidic and 82 submandibular). Sixty-nine presented with ductal stenosis, and 89 with allergic pseudo-parotitis. This retrospective study lasted 3 years (January 2005 to January 2008) with a mean follow-up of 33 months (18 months to 4 years). Male patients were given 2.5mg tid of the alpha-blocker Alfuzosin and female patients 2.5mg bid for 3 to 24 months. After 6 months and up to 2 years of treatment, patients were assessed every 3 months by US and with a questionnaire on symptoms. RESULTS: Results were similar in male and female patients. Eighty percent of patients with colic-like pain due to stenosis reported a significant improvement after treatment. 78.6% of patients with allergic pseudo-parotitis felt they had improved and noted a sharp decrease of pruritus. Sixty-seven of the patients with residual parotid lithiasis after extracorporeal lithotripsy presented with less ductal lithiasis and fragments were evacuated more rapidly in the two months following lithotripsy. Forty-two percent of the patients treated for residual submandibular lithiasis reported a significant functional improvement and faster evacuation of fragments. Twelve patients out of 352 (3.4%) reported adverse effects. The incidence of orthostatic hypotension was 2.2%. DISCUSSION: A significant improvement of symptoms was observed in patients treated with Alfuzosin for obstructive salivary gland diseases. The drug was well tolerated. These preliminary results are good in terms of effectiveness and inocuity. They should be confirmed with a prospective controlled study.

[Diagnostic and therapy of salivary gland diseases: relevant aspects for the pathologist from the clinical perspective]. / Diagnostik und Therapie von Speicheldrüsenerkrankungen: Relevantes für den Pathologen aus Sicht der Klinik.

Significant progress in the diagnosis and therapy of salivary gland diseases has been made in recent years. The new technique of diagnostic and interventional sialendoscopy has made an important contribution and is indicated in every case of obstructive sialadenitis. The number of open resections of salivary glands due to stones will clearly decrease in the future in favor of endoscopic removal. Due to recent publications on the appropriate extent of salivary gland resection in benign tumors, more and more specimens with reduced cuffs of healthy salivary gland tissue will be sent to the pathologists. Ultrasound will stay the procedure of first choice for imaging of salivary gland diseases in Germany. In combination with fine-needle aspiration cytology high sensitivity and specificity for the assessment of salivary gland tumors can be achieved. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a new imaging tool and the power of distinction of pleomorphic adenoma from malignant tumors is promising. The use of botulinum toxin for salivary glands diseases is increasing. Intraglandular injections have been shown to induce salivary gland atrophy in animal experiments. The availability of biologicals is currently yielding new aspects for the treatment of Sjögren's disease.

A cross-sectional comparison study of cognitive and emotional well-being in oral cancer patients.

The main aim of this study was to establish whether oral cancer patients were at risk of long-term problems with adaptation, whilst investigating contributory factors using a framework of Subjective Well-Being. Three samples of patients treated for either oral cancer (n=115); throat cancer (n=47), or benign conditions of the salivary gland (n=33) were recruited into a cross-sectional, postal questionnaire study. A gender and age matched healthy normative sample (n=115) was recruited for comparison purposes. Measures included The Satisfaction with Life Scale, the General Health Survey (SF-12), Life Orientation Test and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Patients with oral cancer demonstrated similar levels of cognitive and emotional well-being as the other samples. Time since treatment and the majority of clinical and treatment related factors had no effect on cognitive and emotional adaptation in any of the patient samples.

Eating disorders part II: clinical strategies for dental treatment.

AIM: To present the strategies of treatment for dental implications of eating disorders. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted with special emphasis on the treatment of the oral implications of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, dividing the treatment into different parts. RESULTS: Oral manifestations of eating disorders represent a challenge to the dental practitioner. Dental erosion, caries, xerostomia, enlargement of parotide glands, traumatized oral mucosa, and other oral manifestations may present in anorexic and bulimic patients. CONCLUSION: Often the dentist is the first healthcare provider to observe the clinical symptoms of an eating disorder. Dental treatment should be carried out simultaneously with the medical treatment. However, dentists are not aware of the fundamental importance of the dentist's participation in the multidisciplinary treatment and no training is provided with regard to the strategies involved in the dental treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Oral complications of eating disorders are a major concern. The difficulties of recognizing the oral manifestations, and the failure to do so, may lead to serious systemic problems in addition to progressive and irreversible damage to the oral hard tissues. Considering the increasing incidence and prevalence rates of eating disorders, the dentist's participation and dental treatment should be discussed.

[Isolated sarcoidosis of the neck--a report of two cases]. / Izolowana sarkoidoza szyi--opis dwóch przypadków.

Although the first description of sarcoidosis comes from 1877, its etiology still has not been determined. Its frequency in Europe is estimated at 10-80 new cases per 100 thousand people. Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease, manifesting mostly in enlargement of lymph nodes of a pulmonary hilus, in changes in pulmonary parenchyma and skin, eyeball, spleen and liver. Changes in about 30% cases also occur in lymph nodes of other regions (neck or retroperitoneal lymph nodes). Changes in salivary glands and heart have also been reported. Isolated sarcoidosis of peripheral lymph nodes occurs rarely. The paper presents two cases of the isolated sarcoidosis of neck lymph nodes. One of them relates to a 70-year-old woman, in which a lymph node sarcoidosis preceded by several months the occurrence of a typical systemic sarcoidosis engaging pulmonary hiluses. The other case is a 30-year-old man, in which the isolated sarcoidosis of lymph nodes was originally diagnosed as a tumor of a submandibular salivary gland. The difficulties in diagnostics of the isolated neck sarcoidosis is discussed as well as its atypical course in both described cases.

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.

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.