Chronic Recurrent Parotiditis or Juvenile Primary Sjögren? A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Recurrent Parotiditis is a recurrent swelling of the parotid gland, of multiple etiology. In some cases it may be an early manifestation of SjÖgren's syndrome. 

Objective: A comparison of both diseases, in light of the clinical, radiological, histological and laboratory findings in a patient suffering from a chronic recurrent parotiditis suggestive of Sjógren's syndrome. 

Case Report: A 14 years old girl, seen in Oral Maxillary Medicine consultation at "Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo", for a year's history of multiple episodes of parotid swelling. Glandular involvement was confirmed clinically. While dental cavities and thick saliva were observed, the absence of oral dryness and ocular manifestations resulted in a diagnosis of Chronic Recurrent Parotitis at the time. Due to multiple recurrent dental cavities, high recurrence of the swelling episodes, and poor response to treatment, SjÖgren's syndrome was suspected. Lower lip minor salivary gland biopsy, specific antibodies, sialometry and Schirmer's test were requested, finding enough positive criteria for the diagnosis of Sjógren's syndrome. 

Conclusions: Among children and teenagers with CRT with treatment failure, the presence of Sjógren's syndrome must be evaluated, even in the absence of oral and ocular symptoms.