Pneumoparotitis as a complication of long-term oronasal positive airway pressure for sleep apnea

Abstract

Background

Parotid swelling is rarely caused by pneumoparotitis from retrograde insufflation of air into Stensen's duct. Previous reports have identified occupational exposures, self-induced habits, exercise, spirometry, and short-term positive pressure airway ventilation as causes of salivary duct insufflation.

Methods

We present 2 cases of pneumoparotitis in patients on long-term oronasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnea.

Results

A diagnosis of pneumoparotitis was made by CT scan in case 1 and sialography in case 2. Patients were advised to transition from oronasal to nasal-only CPAP. One patient was successfully transferred and had good symptomatic improvement, whereas the second patient did not tolerate nasal CPAP and had persistent symptoms on oronasal CPAP.

Conclusion

Long-term use of oronasal CPAP is a potential cause of pneumoparotitis.

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