Recurrent Tuberculous Parotitis in Children

Recurrent parotitis of childhood is a rare condition involving the largest salivary gland. The aetiology is
multi-factorial and is usually non-obstructive or non-suppurative type of inflammation. It involves
recurrent unilateral or bilateral swelling of parotid gland over a period of months to years. Tuberculosis
rarely involves the parotid gland, however in developing countries where tuberculosis prevalence is
very high, any child with recurrent parotitis should be investigated for the same. Child presenting with
recurrent, chronic parotitis in endemic regions should be investigated for tuberculosis. We hereby,
describe a 2 and half-year-old female child with recurrent parotid gland swelling below the right ear
since 6 months. The swelling was acute in onset, gradually increasing in size with no discharge or
pain. There was no history of fever, cough, cold, dryness of mouth or eyes, joint pain or rashes. There
was history of koch’s contact in the maternal grandfather. A positive mantoux test and significant
cervical lymphandenaopathy on Computed Tomography scan was noted. Common causes of
recurrent parotitis, i.e. sjogrens syndrome, immunodeficiency and obstruction were ruled out. On the
basis of the above history and investigations, the child was diagnosed as tuberculous parotitis.