Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

Bilateral Parotid Gland Cysts as an Atypical Indicator of Sjögren's Syndrome: A Case Study and Literature Overview

Document Type : Case Report

Authors
Stefania Troise
Giuseppe Tarallo
Emanuele Carraturo
Fabio Di Blasi
Marco Sarcinella
Maria Esposito
Federica Calabria
Iaquino Vincenzo
Giovanni Dell'Aversana Orabona
Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
10.22038/ijorl.2025.85419.3869
Abstract
Introduction:
Sjögren's syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disorder that gradually impairs exocrine function, primarily affecting lacrimal and salivary glands.
Case Report:
We describe an unusual presentation involving an elderly female patient diagnosed with late-stage Sjögren's syndrome. Laboratory testing eliminated viral infections including HIV and HCV. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of parotid swellings revealed inflammatory cystic lesions, excluding malignancy and other common cystic conditions. MRI revealed several fluid-filled nodules in both glands.
Conclusion:
This report supports including Sjögren's syndrome in the differential diagnosis for bilateral cystic lesions of the parotid glands. A synthesis of similar literature cases is included.
Keywords
Autoimmune salivary gland disorder
Sjögren's syndrome
Bilateral parotid cysts
Case report
Literature review
Subjects
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Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Volume 37, Issue 6
November and December 2025
Pages 349-352