Delayed Post-Traumatic Parotid Sialocele: Report of a Case

This case report documents one of the more unusual causes of a facial swelling in the preauricular and buccal region, post-traumatic parotid sialocele. Facial lacerations are common injuries; however, parotid gland involvement and, in particular, ductal transection is relatively uncommon and only 0.2% of such patients have a parotid gland injury. A sialocele typically develops 8 to 14 days after the injury but in our case, the presentation was delayed (8 months after trauma). Sialography can play a significatnt role in the diagnosis of sialocele by indicating the extent of parotid duct injury. We describe a 17–year– old girl with progressive marked facial swelling in the left parotid and buccal area with past history of penetrating facial injury. Using text and images, we detail our diagnostic management. This case report illustrates the relationship of trauma to sialocele formation, while suggesting that sialography shoud be done in oral, neck and face masses suspected to be related to salivary ducts. Post-traumatic parotid sialocele should be considered in the differential diagnosis for any post-traumatic facial or high neck swelling.