Gustatory itching: an unusual complication following superficial parotidectomy.
OBJECTIVE
We report the previously undocumented complication of gustatory itching following superficial parotidectomy.


METHODS
Case report and review of the English literature concerning Frey's syndrome, complications of superficial parotidectomy and the pathophysiology of itching.


RESULTS
A 49-year-old woman developed gustatory itching following a superficial parotidectomy. Her symptoms were satisfactorily managed with topical and oral antihistamine preparations. We propose a neurophysiological pathway involving acetylcholine and histamine to explain this phenomenon.


CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of gustatory itching following superficial parotidectomy. The use of antihistamine preparations appears to effectively manage this symptom, without the need for invasive procedures.
Ricks
R
R
ENT Department, Worcester Royal Hospital, UK. rupertricks@doctors.org.uk
Banga
R
R
Porter
M
M
D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D005260:Female; D006632:Histamine / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011537:Pruritus / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D013133:Spinothalamic Tracts / Q000502:physiology
D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D006632:Histamine