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Facial nerve palsy caused by parotid gland abscess

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2011

R N Kristensen  and
C H Hahn
R N Kristensen*
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Gentofte University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
C H Hahn
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Gentofte University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Rasmus N Kristensen, Randersgade 33, 5th, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objectives:

We present the first report of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes parotid abscesses complicated by facial nerve palsy. Facial nerve palsy secondary to parotid gland abscess is rare, with only eight previously reported cases.

Method:

Case reports and literature review concerning parotid abscess and facial nerve palsy presentation and management.

Case reports:

Within two months, two female patients presented with parotid gland abscess complicated by unilateral facial paralysis. Both were treated with intravenous antibiotics and surgery. In the first case, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was cultivated, in the other, Propionibacterium acnes was found. In the first case, facial nerve function did not recover.

Conclusion:

Parotid gland abscess can lead to facial paralysis. Both methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes may be involved. Ultrasonography or computed tomography is recommended to exclude a parotid abscess in patients presenting with suppurative parotitis.

Keywords

AbscessFacial NerveFacial Paralysis, PeripheralMethicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus AureusGland, ParotidPropionibacterium Acnes
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 126 , Issue 3 , March 2012 , pp. 322 - 324
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2011

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References

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