Sialadenitis

Sialadenitis
Other names: Sialoadenitis
Micrograph showing chronic sialadenitis. H&E stain.
SpecialtyENT surgery
SymptomsAcute: Sudden onset of one sided pain, fever, and swelling[1][2]
Chronic: Recurrent episodes of tenderness and swelling, often with eating[1]
ComplicationsAbscess formation[1]
Usual onset50s to 70s[2][3]
TypesAcute, chronic[4]
CausesAcute: Bacterial infection, mumps[1]
Chronic: Duct narrowing, salivary stone[1]
Risk factorsSalivary stones, chronic illness, Sjögren syndrome, anorexia[2]
Diagnostic methodBased on symptoms, may be supported by medical imaging[2]
Differential diagnosisSialadenosis, Mikulicz syndrome, salivary gland tumor[4]
TreatmentAntibiotics, rehydration, gland message, lemon drops, surgery[4][1]

Sialadenitis is inflammation of a salivary gland.[4] Most commonly it involves the parotid, submandibular, or sublingual glands.[2] There are two main types acute and chronic.[4] The acute type generally results in the sudden onset of one sided pain, fever, and swelling.[1][2] The chronic types generally results in recurrent episodes of tenderness and swelling, often with eating.[1] Complications can rarely include abscess formation.[1]

The acute form is generally due to a bacterial infection or mumps.[1] The chronic form is often due to narrowing of the duct or a salivary stone.[1] Risk factors include salivary stones, chronic illness, Sjögren syndrome, certain medications, and anorexia.[2][5] Diagnosis is often based on symptoms and may be supported by medical imaging.[2] Pus may be seen from the duct opening.[2] Other conditions that may present similarly include sialadenosis, Mikulicz syndrome, and salivary gland tumor.[4]

Acute disease is generally treatment with antibiotics.[1] Rehydration, gland message, lemon drops, and vitamin C may also be helpful.[4][1] Sialoendoscopy may be able to address the underlying cause in chronic cases.[1] Surgery may be required in more complicated cases.[4] Those in their 50s to 70s are most commonly affected.[2][3] It represents the reason for about 1 to 2 in 10,000 hospital admissions.[3]

Signs and Symptoms

Swelling of the submandibular gland as seen from the outside
The stone seen in the submandibular duct on the persons right side

Sialadenitis is swelling and inflammation of the parotid, submandibular, or sublingual major salivary glands. It may be acute or chronic, infective or autoimmune.

Acute

Acute sialadenitis secondary to obstruction (sialolithiasis) is characterised by increasingly, painful swelling of 24–72 hours, purulent discharge and systemic manifestations.

Features
  • painful swelling
  • reddened skin
  • edema of the cheek, periorbital region and neck
  • low grade fever
  • malaise
  • raised ESR, CRP, leucocytosis
  • purulent exudate from duct punctum

Chronic

See also: Chronic sclerosing sialadenitis

Chronic sialadenitis causes intermittent, recurrent periods of tender swellings. Chronic sclerosing sialadenitis is commonly unilateral and can mimic a tumour.

Features
  • unilateral
  • mild pain / swelling
  • common after meals
  • duct orifice is reddened and flow decreases
  • may or may not have visible/palpable stone.
  • Parotid gland
    • recurrent painful swellings
  • Submandibular gland

Mumps

  • The most common salivary gland infection is mumps. It is characterised by bilateral swelling of the parotid glands, however other major salivary glands may also be affected in around 10% of cases. The swelling persists for about a week, along with low grade fever and general malaise.
  • Recurrent parotitis of childhood is characterised by periods of pain and swelling in the parotid gland accompanied by a fever[6]

Complications

Complication Timeframe Likelihood
Abscess

Infection may spread along the fascial planes of the neck causing a potentially serious complication. Seldomly this can affect the spaces in the floor of the mouth and can result in Ludwig angina.

 Short term Medium
Dental decay

Hypofunction of the salivary gland will reduce saliva production causing decreased protection against acid erosion and increased risk of dental decay.

 Long term High
Postparotidectomy complications (facial deformity or facial nerve palsy)

Temporary facial nerve palsy occurs in around one third to two thirds of patients following superficial parotidectomy. Cosmetic deformity is relatively minor, although symptoms may recur in up to 11-13%, of these not all require further treatment. The occurrence of recurrent symptoms is lower (4%) for subtotal parotidectomy. The choice of the surgical procedure is determined by the extent of the disease and the patient’s preference. The pattern of facial weakness is likely to include one or more branches of the nerve and is likely to be panfacial due to the widespread fibrosis within the gland. Normally complete recovery occurs within 3 to 6 months with permanent palsy occurring in <1%.The prevalence of seroma, haematoma or significant infection should be less than 5%.[7]

 Variable Low

Causes

Sialadenitis can be caused by cancer, autoimmune conditions, viral and bacterial infections, idiopathic causes or stones formed mainly from calculus.[8] It was thought that morphological characteristics of the salivary ducts could also be a contributing factor, as stagnation of saliva due to these could perhaps cause an increased incidence of sialadenitis.[9] However, one study found no statistically significant difference between the length of ducts or the angles they incorporate within them and the likelihood of developing sialadenitis, although this study only had a small sample size of 106.[9] The study also confirmed that age, gender, side of face and degree of sialadenitis had no impact on the length of the ducts or the angles formed within the ducts.[9]

Viral pathogens more commonly cause sialadenitis in comparison to bacterial pathogens.[8] Mumps is the most common virus that affects the parotid and submandibular glands, with the parotid gland affected most often out of these two.[8] Other viruses that have been shown to cause sialadenitis in both these glands include HIV, coxsackie, and parainfluenza.[8] Classically, HIV parotitis is either asymptomatic or a non-painful swelling, which is not characteristic of sialadenitis.[8] Some common bacterial causes are S. aureus, S. pyogenes, viridans streptococci and H. influenzae.[8]

Autoimmune conditions that can cause sialadenitis include Sjögren’s syndrome, sarcoidosis, and granulomatosis with polyangiitis.[8] Sjögren’s syndrome and Sarcoidosis are the most common causes of chronic sialadenitis and are often closely associated with it, and in many cases are believed to be the primary cause, although often with other contributing factors present also.[8] One well known form of sarcoidosis is known as Heerfordt’s syndrome which is characterized by facial nerve palsy, enlargement of the parotid and anterior uveitis.[8] One study came to the conclusion that the presence of salivary calculi is the main indicator for the removal of the submandibular gland, in patients where neoplasia is absent.[10] This was because 82% of glands removed in an ENT department in Stockholm were found to have salivary calculi within them and all of these cases but one had chronic sialadenitis.[10] A mucous retention cyst was found in one patient, but this was not considered to have contributed to the sialadenitis in this case.[10]

The duration of the sialadenitis was found to be closely linked to atrophy, fibrosis and the degree of the inflammation in another study, which looked primarily at microliths found in the ducts and glands.[11] Liths were also found to be related to the duration that the individual had symptoms of sialadenitis, whereas microliths were found in normal glands and varied with age.[11] Microliths could possibly form reservoirs, thus allowing infection to ascend further towards the glands but this could not be confirmed due to the liths and microliths being distinct in this study.[11] However, many glands did show only very minimal variations, which could allow the opportunity for more conservative treatment instead of the surgical removal of the affected gland in the future.[11]

Acute

Predisposing factors
  • salivary stones
  • decreased flow (dehydration, post-operative, drugs)
  • poor oral hygiene
  • exacerbation of low grade chronic sialoadenitis

Histopathology

Initial stage of acute bacterial sialadenitis involves[12] the accumulation of bacteria, neutrophils and inspissated fluid in lumen of ductal structures. Damage to ductal epithelium results in sialodochitis (periductal inflammation), accumulation of neutrophils in glandular stroma, followed by acini necrosis with microabscesses formation. Recurrent episodes results in chronic stage, which involves the establishment of periductal lymph follicles and further destruction of salivary acini.[12]

Infective

Generally, in acute bacterial and viral sialadenitis cases, the lobular architecture of the gland is maintained or may be slightly expanded. Areas of liquefaction, indicating presence of abscess, may also be seen microscopically.

In acute bacterial sialadenitis, acinar destruction with interstitial neutrophil infiltrates is observed. Small abscesses with necrosis are common.

In viral sialadenitis, vacuolar changes are seen in the acini with lymphocytic and monocytic infiltrate found in the interstitium

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) sialadenitis may show no gross symptoms

Chronic sialadenitis (also known as lymphoepithelial sialadenitis (LESA)) presents with 50% of which are monoclonal by PCR while mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma has ducts surrounded by broad coronas of monocytoid cells, infiltration of interfollicular region by monocytoid cells or atypical plasma cells containing Dutcher bodies, monoclonality by immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry, and monocytoid infiltrates in regional lymph nodes.[13]

Histologically, chronic sialadenitis can appear from unremarkable to a firm tan with expansion or atrophy of the lobular structure depending on the degree of inflammation and chronicity. Salivary stones (Sialolith) may be evident with cystic dilation of the salivary ducts and periductal fibrosis. Mucus extravasation may also be observed.

Common observations of chronic sialadenitis include chronic inflammatory infiltrate (lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages), fibrosis, acinar atrophy, mucous cell metaplasia of the ductal system is observed.

In sialoithiasis, concomitant squamous metaplasia may be observed in the salivary ducts with dark calcific stone fragments.

Chronic

Chronic sclerosing sialadenitis has various degrees of inflammation which can include focal lymphocytic sialadenitis to widespread salivary gland cirrhosis with obliteration of acini. This can be a result of obstruction of salivary ducts by microliths (due to associated intercurrent infections), or a result of immune reaction with the formation of secondary lymph follicles.[12] Chronic sclerosing sialadenitis is characterised by presence of three major criteria of[13] dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, storiform pattern of fibrosis and obliterative phlebitis. Minor criteria include phlebitis without obliteration of the lumen and increased numbers of eosinophils. There are two features relatively inconsistent with diagnosis of IgG4-related disease which are the presence of epithelioid cell granulomas and a prominent neutrophilic infiltrate.[13]

Sclerosing polycystic sialadenitis histologically resembles sclerosing adenosis/fibrocystic change of breast tissue. It composes of acini and ductal elements embedded in dense sclerotic stroma, and has a characteristic finding of large acinar cells present with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules. In addition, it may also present ductal epithelial proliferation which could range from hyperplasia, atypia to DCIS-like. Its stroma may show focal adipose tissue with myxoid change and variable radial scar. At present, there are immunohistochemical studies of limited value only. It is cytologically difficult to diagnose this type of sialadenitis due to the rarity of this condition and the presence of variable cell types in a cystic background.[13]

In autoimmune sialadenitis, activation of T and B cells that infiltrate the interstitium occurs due to a response to an unidentified antigen present in the salivary gland parenchyma. This response then results in acini destruction and the formation of epimyoepithelial islands.[12]

Autoimmune

Most histological appearance of autoimmune sialadenitis are similar to that of Myoepithelial sialadenitis. In general, a diffuse to multinodular expansion is observed in myoepithelial sialadenitis. A distinguishing feature is the presence of epithelial-myoepithelial islands infiltrated by lymphocytes. Germinal centers may form with the progression of lymphoid infiltrate resulting in acinar atrophy. Proliferation of ductal epithelium-myoepithelium arises causing the obliteration of ductal lumina causing the formation of the epithelial-myoepithelial islands.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis may have areas of liquefaction necrosis caused by vasculitis. A triad of vasculitis, necrosis and granulomatous inflammation may be observed.

In secondary Sjogren’s syndrome, periglandular fibrosis with the absence of inflammation may also be observed in addition to that of Myoepithelial sialadenitis from the progressive systemic sclerosis.

Sarcoid has tight epithelioid granulomas and lymphoid infiltrate.

Chronic Sclerosing Sialadenitis has peridutcal fibrosis with a dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with lymphoid follicles. Eosinophils may be seen.

Diagnosis

According to the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Best Practice on Sialadenitis, there are multiple factors to consider during the diagnosis of sialadenitis, including history, presenting signs and symptoms, followed by appropriate investigations in relation to the presenting case. Other factors to also consider include the type of gland affected as well as underlying conditions such as an autoimmune disease or ductal stones.[12]

  • Acute left parotid sialadenitis
  • Acute left parotid sialadenitis
  • Acute left parotid sialadenitis
  • Acute left parotid sialadenitis

Acute bacterial

May present with a history of recent surgical intervention or use of medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, or anticholinergic agents. These medications may lead to objective hypofunction or subjective feeling of a dry mouth without hypofunction. There may also be a history of decrease in salivary volume secondary to a systemic disease.

A unilateral or bilateral painful swelling of the parotid or submandibular regions may be present upon a physical examination. This could be accompanied by an external displacement of the earlobe usually adjacent to an inflamed parotid gland. Pus suppuration from major salivary gland duct openings may occur spontaneously or after manipulation of the affected gland. Mandibular trismus is a rare finding but may be present with larger swellings. Dysphagia may also be present in some cases. Fever may also be noted, whilst spiking temperatures may be suggestive of an abscess formation.

Chronic recurrent

The occurrence of chronic recurrent episodes may be due to underlying Sjogren's syndrome or ductal abnormalities. Prodrome of tingling in the gland preceding pain and swelling may be reported in such cases.

Chronic sclerosing

Chronic sclerosing sialadenitis typically presents unilaterally in submandibular gland that cannot be differentiated clinically from a neoplasm, with pain an inconsistent finding.

Obstructive

Formation of stones in glandular ducts (sialoliths) can result in the development of obstructive sialadenitis. There may be a history of abrupt episodic swelling of the parotid or submandibular gland which is usually painful. These episodes typically occur around meal times, lasting 2 – 3 hours and gradually subsides.

Autoimmune

Characterised by persistent, asymptomatic bilateral swelling of parotid glands, and may represent as a manifestation of more widespread systemic disease. Dry eyes and dry mouth are commonly present and may be indicative of concomitant connective tissue disease (e.g. SLE, RA, or scleroderma). Oral candidiasis may also be present.

Treatment

In chronic recurrent sialadenitis or chronic sclerosing sialadenitis, acute attacks are managed with conservative therapies such as hydration, analgesics (mainly NSAIDs), sialogogues to stimulate salivary secretion, and regular, gentle gland massage.[14] If infection is present, appropriate cultures should be obtained, followed by empirical antibiotic therapy initially,[14] for example amoxicillin/clavulanate or clindamycin which cover oral flora.

If there are attacks more than approximately 3 times per year or severe attacks, surgical excision of the affected gland should be considered.[14]

Epidemiology

Sialadenitis of the parotid gland accounts for a larger percentage of hospital admissions than sialadenitis of the submandibular gland.[8] Submandibular sialadenitis account for 10% of all cases diagnosed as sialadenitis.[8] Chronic sialadenitis has been classified as a relatively common presentation, whereas bacterial sialadenitis and sclerosing polycystic sialadenitis are defined as rare.[13] Chronic sclerosing sialadenitis has been shown to affect predominantly males who are over the age of 50, with 40% of cases having an allergic disease, such as chronic sinusitis or bronchial asthma.[13]

One study found that 112 patients from England and Wales ranging from 12 to 81 years of age complained of symptoms from their diagnosed sialadenitis, with the group having a mean age of 39 and a standard deviation of 16 years.[7] The study also found that more patients underwent surgery to treat their sialadenitis between the ages of 20 and 69 years but that there were many more patients who complained of symptoms between the ages of 20 and 49, and then went on to be diagnosed with sialadenitis.[7] In each group studied, most patients suffered from sialadenitis in their twenties but there was also found to be a significant number of females whose symptoms started in their thirties and forties.[7] More women reported symptoms that were confirmed to be sialadenitis than men in this study, which may suggest that females are more likely to be affected but more research would need to be done to be sure of this.[7]

In the United States of America acute suppurative parotitis is responsible for 0.01-0.02% of hospital admissions, with the submandibular gland accounting for 10% of cases of sialadenitis in the major salivary glands in this population.[15] This study found that there was no predilection to any race, sex or age, although it was noted that sialadenitis in general tended to occur in people who are debilitated, dehydrated or older.[15]

Bacterial sialadenitis is uncommon nowadays and is usually associated with sialoliths.[16] A study involving hospitals in the United Kingdom found that the incidence of admissions for sialadenitis is 27.5 per million of the population, with the most common cause being mumps which causes a viral infection in the salivary gland.[16] Ascending acute bacterial parotitis used to be a common perimortal event but today this is no longer the case due to antibiotics and basic modern care which means that patients will be much less likely to become dehydrated.[16]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Wilson, KF; Meier, JD; Ward, PD (1 June 2014). "Salivary gland disorders". American family physician. 89 (11): 882–8. PMID 25077394.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Sialadenitis - Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders". Merck Manuals Professional Edition. Archived from the original on 5 May 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 Ferri, Fred F. (2019). Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2020 E-Book: 5 Books in 1. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 1262. ISBN 978-0-323-67977-0. Archived from the original on 2021-08-29. Retrieved 2021-02-28.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Sialadenitis". NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). 2005. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  5. ↑ "Sialadenitis | Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program". rarediseases.info.nih.gov. Archived from the original on 19 March 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  6. ↑ Harding, Dr Mary (18 December 2015). "Salivary Gland Disorders". patient.info. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Avery, Chris (March 2018). "Sialadenitis". BMJ Best Practice. Archived from the original on 2018-12-06. Retrieved 2018-12-04.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Sialadenitis - Causes - Clinical Features". TeachMeSurgery. Archived from the original on 2018-12-05. Retrieved 2018-12-04.
  9. 1 2 3 Horsburgh, A.; Massoud, T. F. (January 2013). "The role of salivary duct morphology in the aetiology of sialadenitis: statistical analysis of sialographic features". International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 42 (1): 124–128. doi:10.1016/j.ijom.2012.10.006. ISSN 1399-0020. PMID 23137733.
  10. 1 2 3 Isacsson, Göran; Lundquist, Per-G. (1982-08-01). "Salivary calculi as an aetiological factor in chronic sialadenitis of the submandibular gland". Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences. 7 (4): 231–236. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2273.1982.tb01389.x. ISSN 1365-2273.
  11. 1 2 3 4 "Archive copy". scholar.google.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2018-12-05. Retrieved 2018-12-04.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 Avery, C. (2018). Sialadenitis - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice. [online] Bestpractice.bmj.com. Available at: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/1038 [Accessed 2 Dec. 2018].
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Tanakchi, S. (2018). Sialadenitis. [online] Pathologyoutlines.com. Available at: http://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/salivaryglandssialadenitis.html [Accessed 1 Dec. 2018].
  14. 1 2 3 bestpractice.bmj.com > Sialadenitis Archived 2021-08-29 at the Wayback Machine Last updated: Sep 08, 2011
  15. 1 2 Yoskovitch, Adi (7 August 2018). "Submandibular Sialadenitis/Sialadenosis". Medscape eMedicine. Archived from the original on 8 October 2017. Retrieved 4/12/2018. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  16. 1 2 3 Cascarini, Luke; McGurk, Mark (August 2009). "Epidemiology of salivary gland infections". Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America. 21 (3): 353–357. doi:10.1016/j.coms.2009.05.004. ISSN 1558-1365. PMID 19608052.
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