Bilateral parotid swelling caused by sarcoidosis.
BACKGROUND
Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease characteristically causing bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. Salivary gland swellings also are seen, which mandate recognition by the dental profession.


METHODS
The authors describe a patient whose diagnosis of sarcoidosis was tenuous. Ocular involvement and an elevated serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level suggested a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Confirmation with a tissue biopsy was achieved only when the clinicians recognized that salivary gland swelling probably represented a manifestation of the disease. Steroid therapy was instituted.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important for the dental practitioner to be familiar with the salivary gland manifestation of sarcoidosis. Early recognition and intervention aborts or slows disease progression.
Surattanont
Farisa
F
New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, USA.
Mandel
Louis
L
Wolinsky
Barry
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010305:Parotid Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000097:blood; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D013256:Steroids
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D013256:Steroids; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A