Self-Induced Pneumoparotid: Case Report

Pneumoparotid disease is a rare cause of swelling and pain of the parotid gland. It is defined as the presence of air in the parotid gland, caused by an elevated intra-oral pressure which provokes the retrograde insufflation of air in Stensen’s duct and the glandular parenchyma. It should be properly recognized to avoid recurrent parotitis and complications like subcutaneous emphysema or even pneumomediastinum. Diagnosis is best made on computed tomography since ultrasound imaging can mislead the diagnosis toward sialolithiasis. Treatment is symptomatic and focused on the etiology of the elevated intra-oral pressure.

Cite this article as: van Waterschoot J, Waer P, Grenier J. Self-induced pneumoparotid: case report. B-ENT. 2026;21(3):152-154.
the etiology of the elevated intra-oral pressure.