Sialolitiasis parotídea. Dificultades en el diagnóstico. Presentación de un caso clínico y revisión de la literatura

Abstract

lntroduction: Parotid stones are a common finding in salivary gland disorders and can lead to destruction of salivary tissue. Parotid calculi are rarer than submandibular calculi and their diagnosis and treatment are more challenging due to superimposition of hard structures and limited access. Clinical case: A female patient, 68 years old, is referred to our Service, after seeing different specialists, due to repeated inflammatory episodes of her left cheek area, which usually appear at mealtimes. After prescribing a CBCT with 3D reconstruction, a calcified structure can be seen next to the left parotid gland. Discussion: Diagnostic means are varied, and their use depends on their índication. Among diagnostic test, MRI, CBCT and sialography can be found, and usually combining them provides a more precise diagnosis. There are many therapeutical approaches , being sialoendoscopy and transoral approach the most common ones. Conclusion: Parotid sialolithiasis poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge , and it is a relatively common clinical situation, thus, treatment must be tailored to obtain complete stone removal and a minimum of long-term complications.