Facial nerve palsy caused by parotid gland abscess.
OBJECTIVE
We present the first report of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes parotid abscesses complicated by facial nerve palsy. Facial nerve palsy secondary to parotid gland abscess is rare, with only eight previously reported cases.


METHODS
Case reports and literature review concerning parotid abscess and facial nerve palsy presentation and management.


METHODS
Within two months, two female patients presented with parotid gland abscess complicated by unilateral facial paralysis. Both were treated with intravenous antibiotics and surgery. In the first case, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was cultivated, in the other, Propionibacterium acnes was found. In the first case, facial nerve function did not recover.


CONCLUSIONS
Parotid gland abscess can lead to facial paralysis. Both methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes may be involved. Ultrasonography or computed tomography is recommended to exclude a parotid abscess in patients presenting with suppurative parotitis.
ENT Department, Gentofte University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. rasmusnkristensen@gmail.com
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RN
Kristensen
C H
CH
Hahn
D000038:Abscess / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004322:Drainage; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010305:Parotid Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D011425:Propionibacterium acnes / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014068:Tonsillectomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014313:Trismus / Q000209:etiology; D055815:Young Adult
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents