| الوصف: |
Introduction: Juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) is a rare, recurrent inflammation of the parotid glands occurring in children. The etiology remains unknown, and although the treatment is still debated, it is mainly symptomatic. There are currently no guidelines regarding the management of JRP. This study presents a consecutive series of cases where immune alterations and associated autoimmune disorders are investigated, proposing a study algorithm. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with JRP between January 2010 and July 2020. After clinical and ultrasound diagnosis, complementary examinations were performed to investigate associated immune, autoimmune, or infectious diseases. Results: Twenty-five patients met the inclusion criteria and underwent investigation. The age at onset ranged from 18 months to 11 years, with a male predominance (68%). In most cases, the parotitis was unilateral (84%), with edema (100%), pain (68%) and fever (12%) being the main associated symptoms, averaging two episodes per year. During additional evaluation, the autoantibody profile was positive in one patient, and antibody deficiency was found in two patients. Sialography was performed only in one patient, suggesting canalary dyskinesia. Additionally, one patient presented with sialolithiasis of the submandibular gland. Ultrasound was performed after the acute episode in 76% of the patients, revealing chronic changes in almost half of the cases. The potential cause of JRP was not identified in about one-third of the patients, and three children are still under investigation. Discussion: The clinical course of JPR is generally self-limiting and resolves spontaneously after puberty. However, at diagnosis, all children should be screened to exclude immunodeficiency, Sjögren's syndrome and lymphoma. |