Parotiditis

Preliminary Diagnosis: Parotiditis

I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?

• CT soft tissue neck with contrast

II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of parotiditis.

Advantages

• Highly sensitive and specific imaging modality that offers great visualization of the parotid gland and associated structures.

• Able to evaluate for any secondary complications such as an abscess and/or cellulitis or causative etiologies such as an obstructed Stensen's duct or adjacent dental caries

Disadvantages

• Exposure to ionizing radiation

III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?

• May be contraindicated in pregnant patients

IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?

• Grayscale and color Doppler ultrasound

V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of parotiditis.

Grayscale and color Doppler ultrasound

Advantages

• Highly portable

• Does not use ionizing radiation

Disadvantages

• Far less specific and sensitive in diagnosing parotiditis, causative agents, and any secondary complications than CT

VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?

Grayscale and color Doppler ultrasound

• No specific contraindications