Modern management of juvenile recurrent parotitis

Pediatric Salivary Gland Pathology

Benign and malignant salivary gland disorders are uncommon in the pediatric population; however, these can be frequently seen in pediatric otolaryngology or oral and maxillofacial surgery practices. The astute clinician should be aware of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management options for common inflammatory, infectious, benign, and malignant disorders of salivary glands.

Juvenile idiopathic recurrent parotitis (JIRP) treated with short course steroids, a case series study and one decade follow up for potential autoimmune disorder

BACKGROUND

Juvenile idiopathic recurrent parotitis (JIRP) in children is a condition characterized with recurrent episodes of idiopathic parotid gland inflammation. Since there are no definitive guidelines for diagnosis and management of this condition, we present a consecutive case series of patients with more than one decade follow up and their dramatic response to short course treatment by prednisolone.

METHODS

We conducted this study by retrospectively reviewed medical charts of children who were diagnosed with JIRP, from 1 January 2002 to 29 February 2023. We performed usual serological tests to exclude some possible background. We administered short course prednisolone on first day of episode as divided dosage (0.5 mg /kg).

RESULTS

In this case series of 10 patients (70%) were male, median age of onset was 5 years, duration of episodes 5 days, and the mean course of disease were 3.8 years. The average follows up of patients was near 10 years. In comparison with their natural course of disease all patients showed a dramatic response to treatment on the first day of administration of prednisolone (P Value 0.005). For ten years follow up there was not any additional accompanying autoimmune disorder.

CONCLUSION

Short course prednisolone on first day of each episode and its dramatic and meaningful response in our patients, introduce a new, effective, fast, and inexpensive regimen of therapy in patients with JIRP.

Non-neoplastic salivary gland diseases in children: a 10-year review at a tertiary center

OBJECTIVES

Non-neoplastic salivary gland diseases are rare in children. This paper aims to present the spectrum of encountered non-neoplastic salivary gland diseases at a tertiary center by describing the demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes in this patient population.

METHODS

A review of electronic medical records was performed from 2010 until 2020. Relevant data were retrieved and charted according to the type of salivary gland disease. A comparison between diseases was made for demographics, presenting symptoms, treatment, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifty patients with 11 different non-neoplastic salivary gland diseases were identified. Sialolithiasis was the most prevalent condition (12/50), with 83% localized in the submandibular gland. In contrast to gender, age, and symptoms, the location of pathology was significantly associated with the diagnosis (p < 0.001). In patients with sialolithiasis, a hybrid procedure (combined endoscopy and lithotomy) resulted in 100% resolution of symptoms. For (plunging) ranula, marsupialisation had a relative risk of recurrence of 9.6 compared to (partial) extirpation of the sublingual gland.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with salivary gland diseases present with overlapping symptoms, making clinical diagnosis challenging. The present study may aid physicians and specialists in diagnosing the most prevalent conditions in children. Although no gold standards exist for their treatment, hybrid procedures (sialolithiasis) and subglingual gland extirpation (ranula) showed superior results over alternatives.

First evaluation of an ovine training model for sialendoscopy

Objective

Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic technique used in the treatment of various salivary gland diseases. To date, there are very few suitable training models other than the pig's head, which has been used at the European Sialendoscopy Training Center for 22 years. The goal of this study was to describe an ovine model for sialendoscopy training and compare the ovine model's to the human anatomy. We propose a step-by-step approach for sialendoscopy training using this ex-vivo model.

Methods

The anatomy of the ovine salivary ducts and glands was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging using one fresh ovine head. Thereafter, the model was designed during dissection by an experienced sialendoscopist. The various steps were then validated during consecutive dissections using a Likert-scale questionnaire.

Results

The full model was described in the form of a dissection guide and allowed reliable diagnostic sialendoscopy in 10/10 Stenson's and in 5/10 Wharton's ducts. Moreover, interventional sialendoscopy was simulated to provide a training model for the removal of sialoliths in the Stenson's duct. The human and ovine anatomy are quite similar allowing a training experience close to reality.

Conclusion

We developed and evaluated an ovine model with the goal of improving training in diagnostic and interventional sialendoscopy. In particular, the Stenson's duct can be successfully prepared, probed and subjected to sialendoscopy. The realistic anatomical environment and excellent tissue quality created a life-like training experience for an experienced sialendoscopist. Further studies with beginners are necessary to validate this model as a training model.

Level of Evidence

4.

Sialendoscopy in Management of Juvenile Recurrent Parotitis-A Single Centre Experience

Juvenile recurrent parotitis is a rare inflammatory disease of the parotid gland that shares diverse therapeutic management between institutions. Sialendoscopy has been demonstrated as an efficient diagnostics and therapeutic method with minimal complications; however, due to the rarity of the disease and limited data, there is a lack of universal guidelines on its optimal management. Herein, we retrospectively analysed patients with juvenile recurrent parotitis who had the sialendoscopy performed at our tertiary centre. Descriptive data were retrieved along with the number of swelling episodes one year before and after the sialendoscopy intervention. In the last decade, twenty-nine sialendoscopic procedures were performed at our clinics on twenty-one patients diagnosed with juvenile recurrent parotitis. Most of them underwent the procedure under general anaesthesia (86%). In the year before and after the sialendoscopic procedure, the patients had 3.9 ± 2.7 and 0.2 ± 0.4 episodes of swelling per year, respectively. The difference proved to be statistically significant (p < 0.0001). The complete resolution was noted in sixteen patients (76%); however, the procedure was not repeated on the same side of any patient. Solely one patient had a relapse of the disease reported more than twelve months after the sialendoscopy, nonetheless, one of his exacerbation episodes was already reported in the first year after the sialendoscopy. The mean follow-up period of patients was 48.6 months (range, 13−116 months). All things considered, this study emphasises sialendoscopy as an effective minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the management of juvenile recurrent parotitis.

Parotid irrigation: A promising option for juvenile recurrent parotitis

OBJECTIVE

To study whether irrigating the parotid gland with saline solution through the parotid duct reduces the number of inflammatory episodes in patients with juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) over a 1-year period.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study using the electronic clinical history data of patients with JRP that were treated with parotid irrigation under general anaesthesia at the Paediatric Surgery units of Consorci Sanitari Alt Penedès-Garraf and Hospital Universitari Mútua de Terrassa. The number of inflammation episodes in the year before and the year after treatment was analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 15 patients with JRP were evaluated, of whom 10 met the criteria for irrigation. Data from 9 patients were available. The procedure was performed without incident in all of the patients. There was no difficulty with probing the duct and no need for orifice dilation. No post-lavage complications were observed. Four patients had complete resolution of inflammation events (44.4%), and the remaining 5 patients had a decrease in the number of events. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a statistically significant difference between the number of inflammation events before and after the intervention (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Parotid irrigation with saline solution could be a safe and effective first-line technique for the treatment of JRP.

LEVEL-OF-EVIDENCE

IV.

The applicability of ultrasound in the diagnosis of inflammatory and obstructive diseases of the major salivary glands: a scoping review

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the present scoping review was to determine the contribution of ultrasound images in the diagnosis of inflammatory and obstructive diseases of the major salivary glands (MSGs).

METHODS

A search of studies of ultrasonographic assessments of human samples was performed in several electronic databases and grey literature up to July 2021. The extracted data were the examined MSG; the diagnostic value of ultrasound (sensibility, specificity, positive- and negative predictive value, accuracy); features of lesions, including number, echogenicity, echotexture, form, margins, size, posterior acoustic aspect, and location; and related clinical information, such as swelling, palpation, sensible to pain, salivation, lymph nodes, recurrence, duration, and causes.

RESULTS

After verifying the eligibility criteria, 90 articles focused on detecting inflammatory, and obstructive diseases of the MSG were gathered, with variable study designs and size samples. A wide variety of pathologies were assessed, including sialolitiasis (n = 45), acute sialadenitis (n = 30), chronic sialadenitis (n = 25), granulamatous diseases (n = 15), Kuttner's tumor (n = 11), juvenile recurrent parotitis (n = 9), abscess (n = 7), post-radiotherapy sialadenitis (n = 6), sialadenosis (n = 9), abscess (n = 7), IgG4-related disease sialadenitis (n = 5), HIV-sialadenitis (n = 4), obstructive sialadenitis (n = 3), iodinated contrast-induced sialadenitis (n = 2), and pneumoparotitis (n = 1). Most studies were case reports or series of cases. Few studies exhibited data about the accuracy of ultrasound in detecting MSG diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

The present scoping review concluded that ultrasound aspects of different MSG pathologies are similar but contribute to their differential diagnosis and can be considered as a valuable initial method for assessing the MSG of adults and children.

A Retrospective Analysis of Multiple Affected Salivary Gland Diseases: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Benefits of Interventional Sialendoscopy

OBJECTIVES

Multiple affected salivary gland diseases are rare compared to single gland diseases and represent a major diagnostic challenge. These cases are commonly neglected in the scientific literature, despite the considerable suffering of these patients. The aim of this retrospective study was to report disease characteristics, diagnostic pathways, and therapeutic options, including sialendoscopic treatment of multiple affected salivary gland disorders.

METHODS

Patients experiencing multiple affected salivary gland diseases treated between 2013 and 2020 were consecutively identified. Data regarding demographics, clinical presentation, disease characteristics, treatment, complications, and follow-up were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

In total, 71 patients were identified with these diseases and included obstructive disease without sialolithiasis (n = 22), inflammation (n = 15), immune disease (n = 19), radioiodine-induced sialadenitis (RAI) (n = 5), sialadenosis (n = 2), and juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) (n = 8). Diagnostic and therapeutic sialendoscopy was performed on 113 salivary glands in 42 patients, leading to completely (n = 27, 64.3%) or partially (n = 11, 26.2%) improved symptoms in most cases. In total, 4 patients did not improve after interventional therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple affected salivary gland diseases are rare and diagnostically challenging. Interventional sialendoscopy offers an effective and safe therapeutic option and should be considered in this specific cohort.

Juvenile recurrent parotitis in a 4-year-old patient: a case report

Juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) is a rare disease. It is most commonly occurring between the ages of 3 and 5 years, that classically resolves at adolescence. It is characterized by recurrent non-suppurative parotitis, with several acute inflammatory episodes per year. The parotid´s swelling tends to be unilateral, but it can occur bilaterally, with a more predominant side. The aim of this work was to present a case report that highlights signs and symptoms of this unusual condition and to stress on the value of ultrasonography as an aid to diagnosis.

Juvenile recurrent parotitis: Review and proposed management algorithm

INTRODUCTION

Despite being the second most common salivary disease in childhood, the aetiology and appropriate management of juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) remains uncertain. Consequently patients may be misdiagnosed, or even undergo indeterminate or potentially invasive procedures without benefit. This article reviews the current understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of JRP, and to appraise the management options available.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Medline and Google Scholar databases were searched and peer reviewed journal articles assessed. The epidemiology of JRP remains uncertain, and the clinical presentation of JRP can vary widely in frequency and severity. Diagnosis is still largely based on clinical signs and symptoms including parotid swelling, pain and fever. Investigation typically focuses on the exclusion of other diseases and immunodeficiencies, however there are noted typical radiological findings on both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. The ideal management of this condition still remains unclear, however symptoms typically resolve by puberty. Treatment focuses on minimally invasive procedures such as sialography and sialendoscopy to reduce the frequency and severity of acute episodes.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute episodes of JRP can occur up to 30 times per year and have a significant impact on the quality of life of an affected child. Consequently a management algorithm is proposed based on the exclusion of other pathology. There is increasing evidence for non-ablative, minimally invasive approaches such as sialography and sialendoscopy to reduce the impact of this disease.

Deep Sedation for Pediatric Parotid Sialendoscopy in Juvenile Recurrent Parotitis

Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic tool for juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP); the procedure is under general anesthesia, but local anesthesia has been used for sialendoscopy in children >8 years. Based on the experience in children with sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy, we investigated the reliability and safety of deep sedation for sialendoscopy in JRP. Six children (3 females, 6-13 years) with episodes of parotid swelling underwent interventional (duct dilation and steroid irrigation) sialendoscopy with intravenous bolus of 1 mg/kg propofol and 1 mcg/kg fentanyl, and continuous infusion of 2 mg/kg/h propofol. Sialendoscopy under deep sedation was successfully performed in all the patients; the procedure was well tolerated, without any adverse effects. One event of full awakening was registered and promptly solved without needing to interrupt the procedure. Effectiveness of sialendoscopy under deep sedation was subjectively attested by high positive scores obtained at post-operative standardized questionnaires administered to the patients and their parents, and objectively by the lack of clinical recurrences during the follow-up. The combination of propofol and fentanyl seems to be a reliable and safe means of sedating children with JRP undergoing sialendoscopy.

[A complex approach to the differential diagnosis of chronic parenchymal parotitis in children]

BACKGROUND

Chronic parenchymal parotitis is the most common salivary gland disease in children which occurs in about 85% cases. Diagnosis errors in chronic parenchymal parotitis are frequent and important but represent an underemphasized and understudied area of patient safety.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to elaborate the most effective and acceptable strategies for the diagnosis of chronic parenchymal parotitis in children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied the histories of 211 patients with a primary diagnosis of chronic parenchymal parotitis. All patients underwent ultrasound diagnostic, as well as medical and genetic counseling and examination of 1st degree relatives and probands.

RESULTS

After additional examinations, 100 children were given other diagnoses. Having analyzed the results of medical-genetic and echographic examinations of 111 patients with chronic parenchymal parotitis and their family members, we have developed a pattern of chronic parenchymal parotitis inheritance. All patients were divided into 3 groups according to the type of inheritance: monogenic inheritance, multifactorial inheritance, and sporadic cases.

CONCLUSION

A complex approach to the differential diagnosis of chronic parenchymal parotitis is what is needed to reduce the frequency of diagnostic errors.

[Sialendoscopy in diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland disorders]

Sialendoscopy is a relatively new and progressive procedure that allows endoscopic transluminal visualization of major salivary glands and offers a mechanism for diagnosing and treatment of both inflammatory and obstructive pathology related to the ductal system. Several authors have stressed the striking role of sialendoscopy in prevention of juvenile recurrent parotitis. However, the emerging use of sialendoscopy in juvenile recurrent parotitis has not been critically analysed. The objective of our review is to overview the existing literature with particular regards to diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes after the application of sialendoscopy.

Salivary Gland Disorders in Children and Adolescents: A 15-year Experience

Introduction  Diseases of the salivary glands are rare in children and adolescents, with the exception of viral-induced infections.

Objective  To determine the clinical course of the disease, the diagnostic procedures, the treatment and the outcome of all children and adolescents affected with salivary gland diseases at our clinic over a period of 15 years.

Methods  A retrospective chart review including a long-term follow-up was conducted among 146 children and adolescents treated for salivary gland disorders from 2002 to 2016.

Results  Diagnosing acute sialadenitis was easily managed by all doctors regardless of their specialty. The diagnosis of sialolithiasis was rapidly made only by otorhinolaryngologists, whereas diagnosing juvenile recurrent parotitis imposed difficulties to doctors of all specialties – resulting in a significant delay between the first occurrence of symptoms and the correct diagnosis. The severity-adjusted treatment yielded improvements in all cases, and a full recovery of 75% of the cases of sialolithiasis, 73% of the cases of juvenile recurrent parotitis, and 100% of the cases of acute sialadenitis.

Conclusions  Due to their low prevalence and the lack of pathognomonic symptoms, salivary gland diseases in children and adolescents are often misdiagnosed, resulting in an unnecessarily long period of suffering despite a favorable outcome following the correct treatment.

Juvenile recurrent parotitis: Soft foods contribute to the delayed development of salivary glands

BACKGROUND

Juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) is the second-most common childhood disease of the salivary glands after mumps. Since popularisation of mumps vaccination, children suffered from JRP more often, and the aetiology remains unclear. Chinese children had the habit of soft foods due to the special dietary habit of Asia.

OBJECTIVES

To clarify whether mastication was related to the pathogenesis of JRP and whether the growth of salivary glands was influenced by soft diet.

METHODS

Investigation of dietary habit and masticatory efficiency from 2015 to 2018 of children diagnosed with JRP compared with the normal children by the dentition. Mice had been fed a soft diet beginning in their development phase. The gland weight, amount of saliva, salivary amylase, histological and ultrastructural observation and the expression levels of EGF, FGFr2 and Wnt3a had been tested.

RESULTS

The JRP children preferred soft foods and had a significantly lower masticatory efficiency than do normal children. When normalised by body weight, the gland weight, amount of saliva and amount of salivary amylase in the experimental group were significantly lower. The ultrastructural results showed that the acinar cells in the experimental groups were smaller and contained fewer electron-dense secretory granules than those in the control groups. The expression levels of EGF, FGFr2 and Wnt3a in the salivary glands of mice in the experimental groups were significantly lower than those of mice in the control groups.

CONCLUSION

The soft diet indeed influenced the salivary gland through insufficient mastication, which could be one of the primary factors inducing JRP.

Juvenile Recurrent Parotitis: The Role of Sialendoscopy

Juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) is a recurrent parotid inflammation of nonobstructive, nonsuppurative nature. It manifests in childhood and usually resolves after puberty but may also persist into adulthood. JRP is characterized by recurrent episodes of unilateral or/and bilateral parotid swelling with pain, reduction of salivary secretion, swallowing difficulty, fever, and malaise. The cause of this condition remains obscure. Throughout the last two decades, many therapeutic methods have been used in order to reduce the frequency and severity of JRP. During the acute episodes, conservative approaches (antibiotics, analgesics, sialogogues, massage of the parotid gland, and mouth rinses) are used. Parotidectomy has been suggested in rare selective occasions. Recently, a promising concept of sialendoscopy, which is a minimal invasive endoscopic technique, has been applied. This review outlines the literature on JRP focusing on methods and challenges in diagnosing JRP along with the differential diagnosis of JRP and the function of the parotid during JRP. In addition, we describe the treatment options for JRP, pointing out the importance of sialendoscopy as a diagnostic and treatment procedure that offers improvement in patients' daily life.

Juvenile recurrent parotitis: Diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness of sialography. Retrospective study on 110 children

INTRODUCTION

Juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) is characterized by recurrent episodes of painful parotid swelling, generally associated with non-obstructive sialectasia of the parotid gland. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness of sialography in children affected by JRP.

METHODS

Clinical records of 110 outpatients with a diagnosis of JRP followed up from 2008 to 2017 at the Unit of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Surgery Department of the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital of Rome, were retrospectively reviewed. Data on demographics, number of acute episodes/year, course of disease, site of symptoms and duration of follow up were collected. The inclusion criteria were: at least two or more episodes of intermittent swelling of the parotid glands on one side or both sides during the last 6 months, age <16 years. Exclusion criteria were: obstructive lesions, dental malocclusion, Sjogren syndrome, congenital IgA immunodeficiency, and relevant systemic diseases. Outcome of the procedure was measured by evaluating number and degree of episodes of parotid swelling before and after sialography.

RESULTS

Sialography has been shown in all cases to be a valid method in the diagnosis of JRP. Following the execution of the sialography, in 98 patients (89% of cases) there was a statistically significant improvement of disease with a mean reduction of 67.4% of episodes of parotid swelling (p < 0.05). In 75 patients there was marked improvement of the symptomatology (p < 0.05). In 23 patients partial resolution occurred (p < 0.05); in 12 patients there was no resolution or a reduction less than 30% of episodes (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant relationship between the number of attacks/year and the degree of glandular function, pre and post-sialography in 2-way ANOVA test (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Sialography is effective method not only as a diagnostic procedure but also as a therapeutic procedure in treatment of JRP. It is a method that can be carried out in ambulatory setting, without anaesthesia, with a minimum cost and with a very low rate of complications. In a disease with tendency to spontaneous resolution like JRP, sialography represent a therapeutic option alternative to more invasive treatment.

The correlation of immunologic derangement and juvenile recurrent parotitis: an investigation of the laboratory immunological observation

BACKGROUND

Juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) is defined as recurrent parotid inflammation, generally associated with nonobstructive sialectasis of the parotid gland. In addition, the etiology remains unclear, probably immunologically mediated.

AIM

The purposes of the present study were to report the relationship between JRP and immune function from the measurement of the JRP patients' immunoglobulins and T-lymphocyte subset.

METHODS

Immunologic assay from 2014 to 2017 of 100 children diagnosed with JRP at Shanghai Ninth Hospital compared with the 100 normal children by age.

RESULTS

The CD4 level of JRP children aged >6 years was significant lower than the one of JRP preschool children (p < .05), while the IgG level was significant higher than the one of the JRP preschool children (p < .05). In comparison with the normal children, the value of CD8 T cells, immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin E (IgE), immunoglobulin A (IgA) and C3 (p < .01) of JRP children was significant higher, while the value of CD4 T cells was lower (p < .01) in spite of age. What is more, the value of CD8 T cells of JRP preschool children was much significant higher than the one of the normal preschool children (p < .01).

CONCLUSION

The immune function of JRP patients may become disorder: the suppression cellular immune function and inadequate humoral immune expression.

Juvenile recurrent parotitis: A systematic review of treatment studies

Juvenile recurrent parotitis is a rare recurrent inflammation of the parotid glands occurring in children. The etiology remains obscure and the treatment is still debated. In the present study, we perform a systematic review of the literature with the purpose of identifying and discussing the treatment options emerged over the last 28 years in order to prevent recurrent episodes of parotitis. We ultimately included 24 studies. The definitions used for juvenile recurrent parotitis varied widely and none of the selected studies referred exactly to the same definition. Only one was a randomized controlled trial and it showed marked benefits with the use of Bear Bile and Huangqi, two traditional Chinese medicines. Two additional study on sialendoscopy included a control group but was not randomized. All the remaining contributions were case series or case reports. The vast majority (n = 19) of the selected studies reported on sialendoscopy. They all documented improvement of the condition following this intervention. An analysis grouping all these studies (corresponding to 336 children) showed that only 25.8% (95% Confidence Interval: 21.5-30.8) of the treated children had further recurrences. However, the only two controlled study on sialendoscopy showed a similar improvement in controls. The remaining four studies were on sialography (n = 2), on oral appliance in the specific group of children with concomitant dental malocclusion (n = 1) on ductal hydrocortisone infusion through catheter inserted in the parotid duct (n = 1). Improvements were documented in all four contributions. This systematic review of the literature did not consent us to draw definite conclusions on the most suitable treatment for juvenile recurrent parotitis. The available evidence is indeed weak and difficult to interpret because of the scarcity of randomized controlled trials, the heterogeneity of the definitions used and the high rate of spontaneous resolution. Future large and well-designed randomized controlled trials that will include children fulfilling a shared definition of the condition are warranted.

Modern management of paediatric obstructive salivary disorders: long-term clinical experience

Recent technological improvements in head and neck field have changed diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for salivary disorders. Diagnosis is now based on colour Doppler ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance (MR) sialography and cone beam 3D computed tomography (CT), and extra- and intracorporeal lithotripsy, interventional sialendscopy and sialendoscopy-assisted surgery are used as minimally invasive, conservative procedures for functional preservation of the affected gland. We evaluated the results of our long-term experience in the management of paediatric obstructive salivary disorders. The study involved a consecutive series of 66 children (38 females) whose obstructive salivary symptoms caused by juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) (n = 32), stones (n = 20), ranula (n = 9) and ductal stenosis (n = 5). 45 patients underwent interventional sialendoscopy for JRP, stones and stenoses, 12 a cycle of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), three sialendoscopy-assisted transoral surgery, one drainage, six marsupialisation, and two suturing of a ranula. Three children underwent combined ESWL and interventional sialendoscopy, and seven a secondary procedure. An overall successful result was obtained in 90.9% of cases. None of the patients underwent traditional invasive sialadenectomy notwithstanding persistence of mild obstructive symptoms in six patients. No major complications were observed. Using a diagnostic work-up based on colour Doppler US, MR sialography and cone beam 3D TC, children with obstructive salivary disorders can be effectively treated in a modern minimally-invasive manner by extracorporeal and intracorporeal lithotripsy, interventional sialendoscopy and sialendoscopy-assisted transoral surgery; this approach guarantees a successful result in most patients, thus avoiding the need for invasive sialadenectomy while functionally preserving the gland.

Outcomes of interventional sialendoscopy for obstructive salivary gland disorders: an Italian multicentre study

Interventional sialendoscopy has become the predominant therapeutic procedure for the management of obstructive salivary disorders, but only a few multicentre studies of large series of patients with a long-term follow-up have been published. This Italian multicentre study involved 1152 patients (553 females; mean age 50 years) who, after at least a clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation, underwent a total of 1342 diagnostic and interventional sialendoscopies, 44.6% of which involved the parotid gland. 12% (n = 138) of patients underwent multiple treatments. The procedure was successful in 1309 cases. In 33 cases (2.4%) the procedure could not be concluded mainly because of complete duct stenosis (21 cases). Salivary stones were the main cause of obstruction (55%), followed by ductal stenosis and anomalies (16%), mucous plugs (14.5%) and sialodochitis (4.7%). Complete therapeutic success was obtained in 92.5% of patients after one or more procedures, and was ineffective in < 8%. Untoward effects (peri and postoperative complications) were observed in 5.4% of cases. Sialendoscopy proved to be an effective, valid and safe procedure in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of non-neoplastic obstructive salivary gland diseases.

Salivary gland endoscopy in children: A systematic review

Objective:

To review studies on sialendoscopy (SE) of the salivary glands in children focusing mainly on the indications, endoscopic findings, and effectiveness of the procedure.

Method:

The electronic databases searched were Pubmed, Scielo, and Cochrane. The search was conducted by two researchers independently, following inclusion and exclusion criteria. A third author analyzed sources of conflict. In the first stage they were discarded by reading the articles title that had no relation to the purpose of the study and then evaluated the abstracts of each study. In these two initial phases 37 articles were excluded. Articles not excluded by the selection criteria have been retrieved and assessed in full. Seven articles had their data extracted and were compared.

Results:

The literature search parameters listed allowed the recovery of 44 articles. After applying the exclusion criteria, seven studies were included in this review representing 207 patients undergoing with ages ranging from 1 to 16 years. All studies except one underwent SE under general anesthesia. The juvenile recurrent parotitis was the main clinical diagnosis related with SE procedures (N=152). The number of inflammatory attacks per patient per year was the parameter for indication of SE. The efficacy of the procedure was considered high by all authors ranging between 83 and 93% in larger series evaluated.

Conclusion:

Sialendoscopy is a safe and effective procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of recurrent inflammatory diseases of salivary glands in children.

The learning progression of diagnostic sialendoscopy

Introduction

Sialendoscopy is becoming the gold standard procedure for diagnosis and treatment of Salivary Gland Inflammatory Diseases.

Objective

To evaluate the learning progression of a single surgeon to implement and perform diagnostic sialendoscopy: to estimate how many procedures were necessary to achieve better results; if it was higher rate of complications in the beginning.

Methods

Retrospective analysis involving 113 consecutive sialendoscopies performed from 2010 to 2013. According to a descriptive analysis of the factors related to surgeon's experience, the casuistic was divided into two groups: group (A) comprising the first 50 exams, and group (B) the last 63. Groups were then compared concerning demographic and peri-operative aspects.

Results

In Group A, failure to catheterize papilla were 22% versus 3% in B (p = 0.001). Failure to complete examination was 30% in group A versus 6% in B (p = 0.001), and necessity to repeat exams was 22% in group A versus 10% in B (p = 0.058). The complication rates were 18% in group A, and 10% in B (p = 0.149). Operative time was slightly shorter in group B (56 versus 41 min, p = 0.045).

Conclusion

We found better outcomes after the first 50 diagnostic sialendoscopies. Complication rates were statistically the same between early and late groups of experience with sialendoscopy.

Salivary gland diseases in children

Salivary gland diseases in children are rare, apart from viral-induced diseases. Nevertheless, it is essential for the otolaryngologist to recognize these uncommon findings in children and adolescents and to diagnose and initiate the proper treatment.

The present work provides an overview of the entire spectrum of congenital and acquired diseases of the salivary glands in childhood and adolescence. The current literature was reviewed and the results discussed and summarized.

Besides congenital diseases of the salivary glands in children, the main etiologies of viral and bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases and tumors of the salivary glands were considered. In addition to the known facts, new developments in diagnostics, imaging and therapy, including sialendoscopy in obstructive diseases and chronic recurrent juvenile sialadenitis were taken into account. In addition, systemic causes of salivary gland swelling and the treatment of sialorrhoea were discussed. Although salivary gland diseases in children are usually included in the pathology of the adult, they differ in their incidence and some­times in their symptoms. Clinical diagnostics and especially the surgical treatment are influenced by a stringent indications and a less invasive strategy. Due to the rarity of tumors of the salivary glands in children, it is recommended to treat them in a specialized center with greater surgical experience.

Altogether the knowledge of the differential diagnoses in salivary gland diseases in children is important for otolaryngologists, to indicate the proper therapeutic approach.

Sialendoscopy for the management of juvenile recurrent parotitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness and safety of sialendoscopy for the treatment of juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP). The study was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

DATA SOURCES

A comprehensive search strategy in MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, and Google Scholar was completed and limited to studies published in English. Relevant reference lists were reviewed.

STUDY SELECTION

Two independent reviewers selected prospective or retrospective studies of pediatric patients treated with interventional sialendoscopy for the management of JRP. Outcome measures included rates of successful treatment (no further episodes of parotid swelling or need for further sialendoscopy) and complications,

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers appraised the level of evidence using the Oxford Clinical Evidence-based Medicine (OCEBM) guidelines, extracted data, and resolved discrepancies by consensus. Weighted pooled proportion, 95% confidence interval (CI), and test results for heterogeneity and publication bias are reported.

RESULTS

Seven studies were included. Levels of evidence varied from OCEBM level 3 to 4. The weighted pooled proportion of success rates for no further episodes by patient (n = 120) was 73% (95% CI: 64%-82%) and by gland (n = 165) 81% (95% CI: 75%-87%). The weighted pooled proportion of success rates for no further sialendoscopy by patient was 87% (95% CI: 81%-93%). Heterogeneity was low, and publication bias was not detected. There were no major complications reported. Surgical techniques and endoscopic findings are summarized.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this analysis suggest that sialendoscopy is effective and safe for the treatment of JRP and may be offered to appropriate patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA

Treatment of chronic recurrent juvenile parotitis using sialendoscopy

CONCLUSION

The combination of sialendoscopy and an intraductal application of corticosteroids can be recommended for children with chronic recurrent juvenile parotitis (CRJP) as there is growing evidence for a positive effect in the absence of side effects.

OBJECTIVE

CRJP is a disorder with painful, episodic swelling of the parotid gland in children. The majority of cases have a self-limiting character within 5-10 years, but the disease may also continue into adulthood. CRJP can occur on one or both sides and up to now the etiology has been unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the therapeutic effect of a sialendoscopic application of corticosteroids on the clinical course of patients with CRJP.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical course of 9 children with 10 parotid glands affected by CRJP, who all underwent sialendoscopy and intraductal application of corticosteroids. In all cases the procedure was conducted under general anesthesia. The average follow-up period was 15 months.

RESULTS

There were no side effects associated with the sialendoscopy. All duct systems showed signs of chronic inflammation with an atrophic or thickened epithelium. At the follow-up visit, CRJP symptoms had completely resolved in eight children. One child still showed slight parotid swellings without the need for antibiotics. None of the parents reported that symptoms had continued at an equal level or worsened after sialendoscopy.