“Endo-Oral Contrast-Puffing CT” in Pneumoparotitis: A Case Report

Abstract

This case report aims to introduce pneumoparotitis and the correct execution of CT examination to ensure a proper diagnosis. A 45-year-old male presented several times to the ER with Oedema of the left parotid region and neck, along with crackles on palpation. This symptomatology raised suspicion of an inflammatory pathology complicated with abscesses of the parotid gland or a pneumomediastinum due to a traumatic lesion of the airways or oesophagus. Several imaging examinations, such as ultrasound and neck-chest CT, were performed for this suspicion without a correct diagnosis. The use of endo-oral contrast with “puffing” was useful in diagnosing pneumo-parotitis. Therefore, we believe that this procedure could be helpful in the future. Pneumoparotitis is a pathology caused by incontinence of the Stenone duct which determines the reflux of saliva and air into the gland predisposing to the onset of recurrent infections. This pathology is characterized by swelling and subcutaneous emphysema of the parotid region. Adequate knowledge of pneumoparotitis and the correct execution of the CT examination is essential to demonstrate the incontinence of the Stenone duct to be able to exclude emergencies such as abscesses, air-gas infections, and traumatic lesions of the airways and oesophagus.