Salivary gland infections

Question 1

Aetiology of salivary gland infections

Answer 1

Bacterial
Viral

Question 2

Predisposing factors

Answer 2

Process that reduces salivary flow
Process that reduces host immunity

Question 3

Pathogenesis

Answer 3

Reduced salivary flow permits ascending infection from the mouth

Question 4

Predisposing factors Examples

Answer 4

Local duct obstruction
Previous radiotherapy
Sjogren’s syndrome
Systemic drug therapy
Immunosuppressants
Dehydration

Question 5

Management

Answer 5

Antibiotic therapy – co-amoxiclav 625mg
Ensure adequate hydration
Consider predisposing factors
Specialist referral

Question 6

Salivary gland obstruction

Answer 6

ducts become blocked
saliva then can’t flow normally
salivary gland stones are most common cause
pain and swelling
caused by:
- benign stricture
- mucus plug
- calculus
- extraductal compression

Question 7

Sialoliths

Answer 7

Calcification of mucus plug over time

Question 8

Management of sialoliths

Answer 8

removal in clinic
Lithotripsy
Basket retrieval (sialendoscopy)

Question 9

Sialography

Answer 9

Anatomical investigation
Indicated by obstructive symptomatology/SS
Contraindicated in cases of acute salivary gland infection

Question 10

Complications of sialosis

Answer 10

recurrence of infection
spread of infection
fistula formation
compromised gland function

Question 11

viral salivary gland infections

Answer 11

viruses eg HSV
HIV and hepatitis
Droplet spread

Question 12

examples of viral SGI

Answer 12

Paramyxovirus
influenza virus
echo virus
EB virus