title: Blunt trauma to the parotid gland.
abstract: Trauma involving the parotid gland is rare and is usually caused by penetrating injuries or fractures of the facial skeleton. A unique case is presented of rupture of the parotid gland after a minor external force in a 14 year old boy. The radiological findings are presented, which pointed to diffuse rupture of the gland parenchyma with an intact duct system. A conservative management policy using antibiotics and anticholinergics was effective, with complete resolution of symptoms. A literature review of more serious parotid injuries supported the conservative management policy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: O D
authors.initials: OD
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: McFerran
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Antoun
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D012421:Rupture; D012796:Sialography; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists